By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor

The Ell-Saline softball team battled hard but fell in their first loss of the season, dropping their semifinal 5-1 at the hands of the Mission Valley.

The Vikings will take on Troy in the 1-2A State Championship game while the Lady Cards face another Viking opponent in Central Heights for third place.

As expected, this game was a pitcher's duel as Morgan Tomlinson and Raleigh Kramer allowed just 11 combined hits throughout the afternoon.

Tomlinson was on her A-Game, allowing a lone run on just four hits, striking out eight in the process.

The Viking bats put together a slow and steady attack, capitalizing on errors and striking for one in the first, two in the second, and one more in the third and sixth to secure the win.

Both the third-place game and the State Championship game are already underway, stay tuned to the Salina Post for more updates on this year’s 1-2A state tournament.

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599179528888.png" alt="Coverage of Ell-Saline softball at state is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of Ell-Saline softball at state is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!</figcaption>
 </figure>The Ell-Saline softball team battled hard but fell in their first loss of the season, dropping their semifinal 5-1 at the hands of the Mission Valley.The Vikings will take on Troy in the 1-2A State Championship game while the Lady Cards face another Viking opponent in Central Heights for third place.As expected, this game was a pitcher's duel as Morgan Tomlinson and Raleigh Kramer allowed just 11 combined hits throughout the afternoon.Tomlinson was on her A-Game, allowing a lone run on just four hits, striking out eight in the process.The Viking bats put together a slow and steady attack, capitalizing on errors and striking for one in the first, two in the second, and one more in the third and sixth to secure the win.Both the third-place game and the State Championship game are already underway, stay tuned to the Salina Post for more updates on this year’s 1-2A state tournament.

Ell-Saline drops first loss of season to Mission Valley in state semis