Three years ago, the Moniteau softball team didn't have a Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference title to its credit.

The Warriors have since made the conference championship their yearly reward for a job well done as they recently wrapped up their third straight title.

While other sports at the school claimed Clarion County League titles, no other Moniteau team has won three consecutive titles in the KSAC, which was organized in 1993.

Over the last three seasons, the Warriors have compiled a 32-4 record in conference games and a 48-10 mark overall.

A big reason for that success is this year's senior class of Melissa Casper, Selina Edinger, Brittany Beachem, Melanie Foreman and Cori Christy.

"They all work so hard and are very competitive," said Moniteau coach Danny Hindman.

Edinger and Foreman split time on the mound, Casper plays first base, Beachem starts behind the plate and Christy has contributed in the Warriors' outfield.

"We've got a very good mix with the seniors and juniors, especially with Natalie (DeMatteis) and Jenna (Beatty) up the middle in our infield," the coach said.

"We've been playing together for six or seven years, so we play very well with each other," said Foreman.

Edinger is third on the team with a .432 batting average. She rejoined the team this season after taking a year off.

"I didn't play last season because of arm problems," the pitcher said. "And I wasn't planning on coming back, but I played in a summer league in New Castle last summer and realized how much I missed it."

Casper, who currently sports a .400 batting average, has seen substantial playing time since her freshman season.

"Our freshman year, we made the playoffs and lost in the first round," Casper said. "Then the next year, we made it to the District 9 title game and the whole school was behind us."

"When we were sophomores, I don't think any of us thought we'd be part of three straight KSAC championship teams," said Beachem. "But after we won that first one, we knew we could do it again."

And do it again they did, as the Warriors stormed through their KSAC opponents in 2003 to an 11-1 record. After beating Clearfield in the first round of the district playoffs, Moniteau faced the team that had ended its season the previous year: Brookville.

Once again, the Warriors were turned away in the championship game, as Brookville tallied three late runs in a 6-3 decision.

The Warriors have followed that successful script in 2004. Moniteau lost just one KSAC contest (to Redbank Valley) and awaits the pairings for the district playoffs.

Though the Warriors (17-3) dropped a 10-0 decision to Brookville (12-4) Friday, the seniors remain focused.

"We've lost the title two years in a row," said Casper. "We want to get back and win it. Anything less would be a disappointment."

"As much as I hate to say it, it means everything to the girls that they beat Brookville this year," said Hindman. "It was the first thing that they talked about this season.

"I told them that we might not even have to play (Brookville)," Hindman added. "We have to worry about getting past the first round before getting to the title game."

The varsity roster also includes Sara Vinca, Laken Burk, Amy Randall and Kelly McMillen.

"We're proud of our accomplishments the last three seasons," said Foreman. "But we're ready for more."