Photo courtesy of BHS SOFTBALL

The Burns High School (BHS) softball team poses for a photo after defeating the Enterprise program for the No. 1 seed out of the Special District 2 league.

The Burns softball team hosted the Special District 2 playoff held on Friday, May 20 against the Enterprise/Wallowa/Joseph softball program.

Earlier in the day, Enterprise defeated the Vale Vikings, 10-4, for the No. 2 spot and a game against Burns for playoff seeding.

The Hilanders swept the Enterprise program earlier in the year, defeating the Outlaws 4-1, 4-2. Since then, Enterprise has been on a tear, going 13-1 heading into Friday’s game. However, Burns has been on a 25-game winning streak since their first loss of the season.

Burns hit quick in the first innings, scoring the only runs of the game, while holding off any Enterprise advance.

Ayla Davies went the distance from the pitching circle, giving up zero runs on three hits, walking two, and striking out 18 batters.

Gracie Mello led the Hilanders with two hits. Macy Temple, Mackenzie King, and Lacie Tiller each finished with one. Tiller’s lone hit went for a double and earned her the team’s only RBI.

Temple and Tiller each crossed the plate once.

After the game, Coach Robert Medley said, “This was a great team win over a very good Enterprise team. It’s tough to beat a team three times in one season, especially a good team like Enterprise.”

He went on to say, “We are very proud of the girls’ energy and effort throughout the game, as it was tight from start to finish. It feels great to win the EOL and get the number one seed.” He continued, “We still have a lot of work to do as we head into the offseason, but the girls have created a great opportunity for themselves through all the hard work and focus they have put in throughout the season.”

The win put the Hilanders into the 3A OSAA playoffs where they will face off against the Douglas Trojans. From the Far West League, the Trojans are 12-12 overall.

“We will face a good Douglas team that has been very good at scoring runs throughout the season,” Medley said. “Defensively, we will have to be solid in all aspects.”

Burns will host Douglas for the first round of the OSAA 3A playoffs on Wednesday, May 25 at 3:30 p.m.