Topeka High, Silver Lake softball advance to state semifinals
· Yahoo Sports
Shawnee County softball teams continue to impress as the season comes to an end. Topeka High and Silver Lake kept their seasons alive with huge state quarterfinals wins this week.
Here's everything that happened to Shawnee County softball teams.
Visit sportbet.rodeo for more information.
Topeka High's youthful roster breaks through to state semifinals
Topeka High’s young roster continues to show it is ready for the big time in Class 6A. No. 3 Topeka High (26-3) toppled No. 6 Blue Valley 5-4 to advance to the state semifinals.
It’s the first final four appearance for Topeka High since the Trojans won it all in 2022.
“We had some clutch hitting and we put pressure on defenses,” Topeka High head coach Shane Miles said. "It was a very emotional win for us, too. They got there (state quarterfinals) last year and they weren't satisfied. Going to Wichita, now, you never know what could happen.”
Topeka High used a quick start to get ahead in the game. The Trojans never trailed in the quarterfinals as they dictated the pace throughout the game.
London Backman opened the game with a double to the left field. A few batters later, Kenslee Young grounded out allowing Backman to score. The Tigers would respond and tie the game at 1-1 in the top of the third inning.
In the bottom half of the inning, Topeka High rebounded. Remi Cushinberry and Backman both hit singles to set the Trojans in scoring position. On the following at-bat, Poole laid down a bunt to score both runs.
Poole would put together another big plate appearance in the next inning, drilling a ball to left field that scored two more runs to provide Topeka High a 5-2 advantage.
“The pitcher was throwing with a lot of speed, which we hadn't seen in a while," Poole said. “I think just pitch selection and finding my pitch and going with it.”
Pitcher Campbell Dawson kept Topeka High in front with a great selection of pitches. After the Trojans led by three runs, Dawson retired six straight batters.
Blue Valley tried for one last comeback, but it fell short. The Tigers hit a two-run home run to pull Blue Valley to within one run, but Dawson was able to close out the game with a fly out. Dawson allowed 10 hits, four runs, two walks and struck out four batters.
“She didnt' have her best stuff today, but she battled and battled,” Miles said. "Our girls made plays for her."
The play of the game came before Blue Valley’s home run. The Tigers had runners on first and second base. A line drive was hit right at third baseman Taimane Isaia, who stepped on third base and threw over to first to complete the double play.
“I was pushing myself mentally, but the throw wasn’t the best, but I know I have Remi at first to cover my back at all times,” said Isaia, the team's lone senior. “That's the thing, I’m just so grateful for who I have by m side. This whole game, we were playing for each other.”
Topeka High will play No. 2 Gardner Edgerton (25-2) in the state semifinals at 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 28 at Wichita State.
Silver Lake dominates advances to state semifinals
No. 3 Silver Lake (26-4) is playing its best ball the right time. The Eagles took down No. 6 Colby 10-0 in five innings to secure a place in the state semifinals on Monday, May 25.
It was an impressive performance inside the circle for Riley Mohler. The junior struck out 10 batters and allowed just one in the win.
The Eagles scored nine of its runs inside the first three innings of the game. Saylor Liggatt dominated going 2-for-4 with a triple and double leading the team with four RBIs. Kailyn Hanni secured a team-high three hits and scored three runs, too.
Silver Lake will face No. 2 Haven (28-2) in the Class 3A State Semifinals at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27 at KU’s Arrocha Ballpark.
Mission Valley blanks Rossville in quarterfinals
No. 7 Rossville (22-8) season came to an end in the Class 2-1A State Quarterfinals on Monday, May 25. The Bulldawgs lost 5-0 to No. 2 Mission Valley (28-2).
Rossville's offenses was stymied to just one hit in the game, totally just five base runners in the game. Mission Valley’s Madisyn Kraus was flawless. She threw a complete game allowing one run and three walks, while striking out 10 batters.
Mission Valley’s Abagail Sims led the offense with a team-high two hits and one RBI. The Vikings will face No. 6 Uniontown (21-6) at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 28 at KU.
Liam Keating covers high school sports and Washburn University for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at [email protected]
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: How Topeka High and Silver Lake softball advance to state semifinals