Baldwin’s Special Olympics bocce team begins defending its state title on Thursday in the first round of the state tournament at Carlynton High School.

Special Olympics Club co-sponsor Tim Laughlin said he hopes the team has another great year.

“It was unexpected,” he said of last year’s win. “We hope the team can work together again to make it to Hershey.”

The county championships will be held at Baldwin High School on March 7, and the winner of six teams there will advance to Hershey for the state final.

Sophomore Meghan Bradley said this will be her first time attending the tournament as a partner to the athletes.

“I’m really excited to see how it works,” Bradley said. “The athletes work hard and I hope it is a good turnout.”