NATCHEZ — The Vidalia 16 and under softball all-star team didn’t have to put up much of a fight to make it to regionals, and head coach Donald Bertelsen is hoping that isn’t a bad thing.

The Vidalia all-stars didn’t have to play for a district title because there simply weren’t enough teams in the area to compete, and they didn’t play in the state contest because they were the host.

Though they have a guaranteed spot into the regionals and home field advantage as the host of regionals starting Sunday, Bertelsen said he wished his team were better prepared.

“Those games (in district and state) could’ve better prepared us for regionals instead of going out and finding games to play before regionals,” Bertelsen said. “It would’ve been more deserving (to actually win state) so to speak.”

Though the 2014 team didn’t get to experience the high-pressured situations of playing in the state tournament, Bertlesen said his players have all played in big games before, and he knows they can withstand the pressure.

“I have four returning girls and eight new girls all with playoff experience,” he said, “Katelin Temple, Katelynn Bertelsen, Cassie Gonzales and Taylor Essence have been to regionals three years in a row, and they know what it’s like to be there and will help the younger girls out.

“The main key is that we play as a team and we’re in our gelling phase now.”

Bertelsen said he lost a few seasoned pitchers last year, but he has a group of young talent that could pick up the slack.

“Elizabeth Smith is one of my only seasoned pitchers, but my new pitchers include Marty Lewis and Ashleigh Williams.”

Both Lewis and Williams played high school softball at a high level. Williams plays for Adams County Christian School which finished sixth in the state last year, and Lewis played for Trinity Episcopal Day School, which gave top-ranked Union Christian Academy a run for its money in the state tournament.

Aside from its’ defense, Bertelsen said a big part of their success this weekend will have to be their batting.

“To make it to World Series, we have to hit the ball,” Bertelsen said. “Fielding is big, but I need strong hitters from No. 1 to No. 9 down the lineup.”

But most importantly, Bertelsen aid he wants his players to create as many memories as they can.

“We worked so hard to get here, and we just have to go out there and have fun,” he said. “I want them to win, but I want them to enjoy playing in a high profile environment.”

The Vidalia all-stars will play at 7 p.m. Sunday against Texas East all-stars.