WORCESTER, Mass. — The Jesse Burkett softball team is officially off to Connecticut for regional play, hoping to advance in the Little League World Series. The all-star team will begin play Sunday in Bristol, after winning the state championship last weekend. 

The team was joined by family, friends and community members as they hopped on a bus and received a special send off from Worcester State University Saturday. It's the second year in a row the squad has punched their ticket to the World Series. Even though they've been in this position before, it's still a special moment.

"I'm excited to be able to go to Connecticut, play against other teams and just have fun and hope to win," Mya Domineck, who plays shortstop, third base and pitches, said.

"I just want to experience going there and play," centerfielder Sofia Rogers said. "We won almost every game so far. 

"I'm really excited because I want to have a fun time with the team and experience all this," Leah Becker, the team's catcher, said.

"All these girls are amazing, so they've worked really hard," team manager Kerin Smith said. "We've had, I want to say, six weeks or so that they've been practicing as a team. They get on the field and they really leave it all out there. They just work so hard and they work so great together as a team."

Last year the team went 0-2, losing to Maine and Rhode Island. But confidence is high heading into play this year. With four returning players, they're hoping they have the experience this time around to capture their first win. They'll face Vermont Sunday.