By TYLER HENRY
Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post
With a total of 15 runners stranded on base between the two teams, there were a million ways Saturday’s 3A state championship showdown between Southeast of Saline and Silver Lake could have gone.
Ultimately, it was a 4-0 shutout win for Silver Lake as the Lady Eagles secured their 14th state title, breaking a streak of back-to-back runner-up finishes.
This game appeared to be a pitcher’s duel early, with Karlee Zurfluh and Riley Mohler combining to strand 13 runners in the first five innings.
The lone run for either side came in the top of the third, when Silver Lake broke the deadlock on four walks to bring in their first score of the day.
Each side had plenty of opportunities, with the Lady Eagles stranding seven runners in scoring position, and the Lady Trojans leaving five on second and third.
In the top of the sixth, the dam finally broke for Silver Lake, who used four hits and a dropped third strike to secure three crucial insurance runs, putting the game out of reach.
Southeast’s bats battled, but hard-hit balls found Lady Eagle mitts, and the game came to a close with a 4-0 score.
Riley Mohler was spectacular in the circle, completing the first and only shutout of SES, allowing just five hits and one walk while striking out four.
For Southeast of Saline, one of the greatest seasons in program history comes to a close with a 26-2 record, tied for the best state finish in school history.
The Lady Trojans, who graduate just one senior in catcher Riley Donnelly, will be hungry to reload and finish the job when the 2027 season gets underway next spring.
This state championship game is available for playback on demand at any time below.