They’re already licking their lips. They can almost taste it.

The seven seniors on Chattanooga Christian’s softball team have never savored the sweetness of getting to play in a state tournament. They’re one victory away.

Class AA member CCS (20-8) will learn its fate today when DeKalb County comes calling in one of five state sectionals invloving area teams. Additionally, Class AAA Walker Valley (24-11) plays Saturday at Siegel at 2 p.m. EDT.

The Lady Chargers’ Region 3 championship Wednesday was their first in school history. Region champions get to host in the sectional round.

“We’ve gotten this far before, but we haven’t hosted it,” CCS coach Emily Pensinger said. “It’s nice playing on your home field and in front of your home fans. Ultimately, you’ve got to win.”

CCS is 5-0 since postseason play began. Still, that one thing looms for Marie Beaty, Kelley Close, Laura Curtis, Tori Dixon, Tiffany Johnson, Jennifer Long and Jennifer O’Dell.

“I’m feeling really good about our chances right now,” Curtis said Wednesday after hitting a home run and a double and walking twice in the region final.

The Lady Chargers’ last two seasons ended in sectionals at eventual state champion Goodpasture Christian’s home field in Madison.

“When we went over there as sophomores, we didn’t know what we were doing,” Curtis said. “We had never made it that far.”

Now the Lady Chargers are a veteran group and feature a five-year starter in the pitching circle in Jennifer Long. Using a variety of pitches, including a befuddling changeup, the Carson-Newman-bound right-hander has totaled 32 strikeouts in 35 postseason innings.

“I love her changeup,” said Curtis, who has signed with Chattanooga State. “She’s improved so much. I’m just glad she’s on my team.”

O’Dell offers speed at the top of the order and has some power, too. Beaty has been swinging a hot bat in the No. 6 spot.

Timely hitting is what’s crucial this time of year. So is defense — something Pensinger would like to see shored up a little bit. The state-tournament field is a tough one. The Lady Chargers hope they’ll get to see for themselves.

“I think we realize that we have to win the game that’s right in front of us before we can move on to the next one. We’ve got to stay focused for our game Friday,” Curtis said Wednesday. “That’s the one that matters.”