Jefferson’s proud softball history isn’t lost on Deanna Bottorff. After all, she helped author a few chapters.

The first-year Eagles coach — who went by Deanna McQueen during her prep playing days — lifted her team to a state title in 2001 and three semifinal appearances during her four years with the team. Although the role changed, Bottorff finds herself in familiar territory as this weekend approaches.

“It’s still a little nerve wracking, but it’s different nerves,” Bottorff said. “I’m not the pitcher, but I’m still trying to lead the team to victory.”

With two convincing playoff wins, Jefferson rolls into the Missouri State Softball Championships with hopes of defending its Class 1 state championship at St. Joseph’s Heritage Park — where two more local teams, Trenton (Class 2) and Platte County (Class 3), also will vie for state titles.

But no team playing this weekend can match the Eagles’ dominance during the past decade and a half.

Since 1995, Jefferson has claimed 10 district crowns and advanced to the state tournament each of those years. Bottorff herself contributed to the program’s success with a dominant, 16-strikeout performance atop the mound in a thrilling state title as a junior before pitching the Eagles back to state the following season.

The players and coaches — from Don Edwards to Tim Jermain to Bottorff — have changed during the stretch, but Jefferson’s strong tenants remain constant, according to Bottorff, who returned to the team this year after playing at North Central Missouri College and the University of Central Missouri.

“Everything’s the same — the community support, the team leadership,” Bottorff said. “It’s a great program, and I’m so lucky to be a part of it.”

Now it’s Kendle Schieber’s turn to take the Eagles as far as she can.

The Jefferson sophomore has delivered on the promise she showed during last year’s state title run and has not disappointed on the pitching mound. Schieber has yet to allow a run during the postseason and most recently tossed a no-hitter during a 13-0 victory against Polo.

“The key is for her to continue the great job she’s been doing,” Bottorff said. “She’s become a smarter pitcher. She plays with the batters and makes them chase after her pitches.”

In fact, shutdown pitching has been the common thread for all three local teams.

Trenton qualified for the postseason for the first time thanks to electric arm of senior hurler Aubrey Utley. While the Bulldogs carried the No. 1 seed into district each of the past three years, Utley’s dazzling blend of power and finesse finally launched Trenton into the state tournament.

“We hope she comes in and throws to the top of her game,” Trenton coach Steve Richman said. “But that’s a lot of pressure to put on a kid, and a lot of her success has been a tribute to the kids around her.”

Indeed, the Bulldogs (18-1) possess a championship-caliber defense behind Utley with an infield chock full of seniors like Tosha Ewing, Emily Anderson and Kylei Russell. The Bulldogs enter the weekend tied for fewest losses of any team in the competition with Bevier (21-1) and Jefferson City (22-1).

With 20 years of experience, Richman believed from the start that his team had the necessary components to reach this point, and he plans to enjoy his first trip to state just as his much as his players.

“You just hoped for all the kids that would have that happen,” Richman said. “It’s been a pleasant surprise that we have played as well as we have.

“They’ve been playing their entire lives to have this opportunity, and they’ve taken that to heart and taken the mentality that they’re not going to lose.”

Platte County, also a defending state champion, has struggled at times throughout the season on the way to a 22-7 record but still remains a title threat thanks to all-everything pitcher Haley Pypes. The Pirates squeaked out back-to-back win during their return trip to state that included a weather-shortened win against Chillicothe and a nail-biting 2-0 victory against Warsaw that saw Pypes blast a home run to help her own complete-game cause.

Sports reporter Andy Meyer can be reached

at andymeyer@npgco.com