MONTGOMERY — In the last century, fans and parents of the Robertsdale Lady Bears, players and coaches had a ritual: Win a state championship, eat watermelon in the parking lot of Lagoon Park and then come home.

They did that in 1995,96 and 97, three straight state fastpitch titles. In this century, coach Steve Shartzer led them back in 2004 all the way to the 5A championship against Hartselle.

But the watermelon was not as sweet that year, as RHS took the runner-up trophy.

This year, the Lady Bears made it back to the state tournament at Lagoon Park and did it in the highly competitive 6A division.

“It was good just to get here,” Shartzer said.”I’m really proud of this team.”

RHS drew top-ranked Sparkman in the first round and fell 13-1, then lost a 2-0 heartbreaker to Huntsville High, which recently moved up to 6A as well.

For Shartzer, his four seniors, Casey Byrnes, Anna Calloway, Kate Swinson and Jessie Weaver all stepped off the bus at Lagoon Park as winners.

“They’re all winners in my book,” he said. “But it’s also about the future. Making it here is a goal in it’s self. We have a great bunch coming up and they know they can get here. It’s going to take a lot of hard work, but at least they have a feel for it.”

Baker claimed the 2007 6A title defeating Sparkman in the finals.

RHS right hander Weaver got the start against the Lady Senators and finished her senior season with a 16-12 record.

Incoming RHS junior Anna Shartzer pitched the Huntsville game holding HHS scoreless through six innings. Huntsville took the lead in the seventh and held on for the win. Shartzer capped the year with a 17-7 record.