STANDISH — The Seattle Supersonics just might become popular again.

The former NBA team — now based in Oklahoma City — is finding success once again and in championship contention — even if it is through the Telstar softball team.

Coach Jim Lunney has deemed his bright white t-shirt with the Supersonics’ logo his lucky shirt, and he’ll likely be sporting it Saturday morning as the Rebels shoot for the Class C state title.

Telstar plays Georges Stevens Academy at 11 a.m. at Ward Park at Saint Joseph’s College.

Lunney found the shirt while the team was on its preseason trip to North Carolina.  The size and the price was a good fit.

“I didn’t even realize they no longer existed,” said Lunney of the Sonics. “I’ve worn it every game but one.”

And Telstar can’t complain about the success it has had. The Rebels claimed a fifth Western C title the other day with a two-run rally in the seven to stun Georges Valley. Now the Rebels go for a third Class C state championship, the most recent also coming at Ward Park, in 2006.

“We talked about goals early on,” said Lunney. “We’ve mentioned several times that we want to win our last game. Four teams in the state will win their last game. We want to be one of those. “

Telstar lost in the state final last year to Calais. The Rebels had to wait through weather postponements and then had a rain delay in the middle of the game. It proved decisive as Calais broke open a 3-3 game with five runs in the rain-soaked sixth. Telstar was plagued by passed balls and two errors as the Blue Devils opened the lead. The Rebels rallied and got within 8-6 and had runners at the corners before Calais got the final out.

“We definitely want to redeem ourselves,” said Hannah Morin, a junior outfielder who made the last out in the state game last year, but delivered the decisive hit that beat Georges Valley Tuesday. “We want to try to play a little better than we did last year.”

Telstar takes on a George Stevens Academy of Blue Hill, which finished second in Eastern C. The Eagles scored 126 runs during the regular season and allowed 70. The Rebels outscored opponents 132-11.

Lydia Clapp pitched all the games for the Eagles (14-5) and allowed five hits and struck out 11 in the 9-6 win over Woodland in the Eastern C final. GSA is a good hitting team that likes to be aggressive and hit fastballs. Stevie Theoharidis led the Eagles with three hits and an RBI against Woodland while Richelle Kane had two hits and two RBI. The Eagles lone appearance in the C state game was a loss to Madison in 1992.

Telstar (17-0) counters with Kayla Merrill, who went 14-0 and had nine shutouts and a earned run average of just 0.532.  She struck out 118 and walked just nine.

“We have unfinished business in the state game,” said Merrill. “We’re definitely excited to get back there. Every practice our coach has said that we want to win our last game. That’s what he wants to do, and that’s what we want to do.”

The Rebels also have some potent bats. Lyndsay Merrill led the team with a .549 average while TJ Cowin and Morin  each batted .440 and drove in 16 and 14 runs respectively. Kayla Merrill hit .500 and scored 18 runs, and Nicena Walker hit .447 and also drove in 16 runs. Lindsay James and Katie Sumner each hit over .300.

“I’m totally excited about the state game,” said Lyndsay Merrill, a sophomore shortstop, who missed last year’s game to an injury. “I’ve never played in a state game before. So it will be an awesome experience.”

Having the game at Ward Park is an added bonus for the Rebels. Telstar has played there at least once each year for the last six years, including a state championship win there.

“It’s definitely a good benefit,” said Kayla Merrill. “We’ve played here several years now and we know the field better.”

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