By TYLER HENRY
Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post
On Thursday, the Southeast of Saline softball team wrapped up the regular-season portion of its campaign with a bang, decimating the Lyons Lions 45-0 across a doubleheader sweep.
The Lady Trojans will enter regional play with a 21-1 record, on an 18-game winning streak, and with the potential to be the 1-seed in their regional bracket.
Game 1: SE of Saline 20, Lyons 0
Southeast wasted no time beginning their onslaught in the opener, plating six runs in the first, four in the second, and ten in the third to wrap up a game one win in record time.
The Lady Trojans rattled off 20 runs on 13 hits, with eight members of the lineup accounting for at least one hit.
Among that group, Ashley Whelchel had a monster day at the plate, going 3-for-4 with three hits, two runs scored and 5 RBI.
Karlee Zurfluh added another shortened perfect game to her near-spotless resume, refusing to concede a hit or a walk and facing just nine batters, seven of whom she struck out.
Game 2: SE of Saline 25, Lyons 0
The nightcap was little more than a formality as Southeast once again jumped all over Lyons for eight runs in the first, eleven in the second, and six more in the third.
This time, Reese Heinrich’s bat shone brightest, going a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate, swiping two bags, scoring two runs, and driving in six more for her team.
In the circle, Hannah Thiel picked up where Zurfluh left off, tossing a no-hitter in three complete innings, surrendering just three walks and striking out seven of the nine batters she faced.
With yet another sweep, the Lady Trojans close out the regular season with a 21-1 record, their lone loss coming to Clay Center back on April 2nd.
As of Friday morning, SES is tied for first place with Haven, who still has games against Hesston and TMP on its schedule.
The Lady Trojans should be either the 1 or 2-seed when regional assignments drop next week.