Silver Lake softball 'competes' in state title game, Washburn Rural secures third

TOPEKA — It was not the way that Silver Lake wanted their extraordinary season to end.

The Eagles defeated Holcomb 12-2 in the Class 3A State Semifinals early on Friday. They followed it with a chance at glory with a state championship on the line. Frontenac was the opponent and it spoiled Silver Lake’s day.

The Raiders defeated Silver Lake 3-0 to win the title.

Silver Lake finished with just five hits in the game. It had runners in scoring position on just three occasions. Frontenac’s Avery Johnson was dealing in the circle. She tossed a complete game and allowed just five hits and struck out five batters.

It just wasn’t the day for Silver Lake, but it ended the year in second place in Class 3A with a record of 24-3.

“I try not to put too much on that state title,” Silver Lake head coach Nick Hamilton said after the regional championship. “I know in our town, we talk about it a lot. We brag about it a lot, but all that I want is a team that will compete.”

Despite the defeat, Silver Lake competed and competed well against a strong Class 3A field.

Washburn Rural softball settles for 3rd place

Washburn Rural started Friday with a tough outing against Olathe Northwest. The Junior Blues lost 10-0 in the Class 6A State Semifinals forcing them to the third place game.

The team played with poise and willingness to represent their school well in the consolation game. Washburn Rural went on to defeat Olathe South 6-4.

Photos: Washburn Rural softball in Class 6A State Semifinal

The Junior Blues trailed 4-3 entering the bottom of the fifth inning. Justice McBurney hit a RBI double to tie the game and Salah Williams scored to take the lead off of a Falcons’ error later in the evening. Ava Fowler hit a grounder to third base which scored Reagan Chapman to give Washburn Rural some insurance in the fifth inning.

Makayla Ekis pitched a complete game and allowed three runs and eight hits in the win. The contact pitcher did have one strikeout in the game.

The third place finish for Washburn Rural ends the first season under head coach Joy Marie Galliart. The Junior Blues end with a record of 20-7.

Liam Keating covers high school sports for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: See how Silver Lake softball and Washburn Rural finished their season