BEATRICE, Neb. - Winning a state title is hard enough on its own, but going back to back is something not many teams can say they’ve done.

But the Beatrice Lady Orange have a chance to do just that. The 2024 Class B state champions are back in Hastings this season, with the goal to be in Lincoln come next Monday afternoon. As Beatrice gets set to face off with the Hastings Tigers in a rematch of last years state final, Lady Orange Head Coach Gary Lytle believes his team is prepared for another state tournament.

“At this point, I think everyones comfortable with where they’re at and they just need reps for Wednesday morning,” Lytle said.

Beatrice has matched up with the Tigers once since that eight inning thriller in Omaha, having beaten Hastings 11-0 in late August. Lytle reflected back on the contest.

“Last year was really exciting,” Lytle said. “Two great pitchers went at it for eight innings. It was sad that someone had to win and someone had to lose.”

And the Beatrice pitcher in that tilt, no senior Layla Boyko. She’s one of several seniors with a chance to end their career going back to back.

“I try not to think this could be the end, but more so taking it pitch by pitch and play by play,” Boyko said. “It’s in my bones. I really need to work hard to try to get it.”

Beatrice’s junior class includes players to the likes of Tana Antons - in her two prior seasons, she’s known nothing but trips to state. She says that experience goes a long ways in terms of understanding the magnitude of state.

“Representing our town and playing for something huge and being able to know you can bring a trophy home for everyone back here means a lot,” Antons said. “There’s nothing like it.”

The Class B field consists of a mix of state tournament regulars and teams that have gotten hot at the right time. Senior Callie Schwisow says the Lady O will have to be on their A-Game to repeat as state champs.

“We just have to focus on playing our game,” Schwisow said. “Focus on this pitch, this game, this moment. Not focusing on this or that, but just being who we are and doing what we do.”