Photos courtesy of BURNS HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL

The Burns Hilander softball team claimed its second consecutive state title by defeating the Scio Loggers, 1-0, at University of Oregon’s Jane Sanders Stadium on Friday, June 2.

In a record-breaking season, the Burns Hilander softball team downed the Scio Loggers in 12 innings, 1-0, in the 2023 OSAA/OnPoint Community Credit Union 3A Softball State Championship game held at Jane Sanders Stadium in Eugene on Friday, June 2.

“This game was one for the ages! Our girls did a phenomenal job of staying the course and never wavering for the full 12 innings. We had opportunities early, but couldn’t get the timely hit we needed. But, hey, if we would have got a run or two early it might not have been as historic as it was after going 12,” head coach Robert Medley said.

The third-ranked Hilanders rode the back of one of the best pitchers in the state, Ayla Davies. Davies stuck-out 23 Logger batters, setting a state record for most strikeouts in a state championship game.

Heading into the 10th inning, tied 0-0, the umpires enacted the international tie breaker rule, which places a runner on second base at the start of each inning. Both teams were unable to take advantage of the rule in the 10th and 11th innings.

Heading into the top of the 12th inning, Macy Temple took off to third base after a wild pitch from Scio’s pitcher Myleigh Cooper. The ensuing errant throw to third base from the Logger’s catcher went past third base and into left field, bringing Temple home for the game’s only score.

In Scio’s last innings, Davies fanned the first two batters. With the last at bat, Scio’s Skylur Brown lined out to second baseman Mattie Woodbury to end the game.

Medley said of Davies, “Ayla did a great job in the circle, competing inning-after-inning. She is the ultimate competitor and plays for her team and teammates to the very end!”

Temple led Burns with two of the team’s three hits. Merissa Medley had the other hit that went for a double. Davies finished the game from the circle, going all 12 innings, giving up only three hits and walks, while striking out 23 batters.

Davies finished the year with the most strikeouts of any pitcher in Oregon this season, racking up 389, which places her fourth all-time for strikeouts in a season. She also tied the record for fourth all-time for three perfect games and 20 shutouts in a season. With Davies in the circle, Burns softball only allowed 10 runs.

After the game she said, “This season has been a dream. We accomplished the ultimate goal of winning the state title, managed to go undefeated, and even set some records we’d never planned to. I’m really sad to lose our seniors, who I’ve grown very close with over the years, but I’m super glad they got to go out as back-to-back state champions. The state championship game was the most intense game I’ve ever played. One mistake could’ve ended it all. I’m so proud of our team for staying strong throughout and persevering in the end.”

The Hilanders end the season riding a record-breaking 59-game winning streak and their second state title. The team will lose five girls to graduation: second baseman Mattie Woodbury; outfielder Halle Houck; outfielder Macy Temple; third baseman Lacie Tiller; and catcher Merissa Medley.

The five seniors reflected on how they felt after the game.

Macy Temple said, “My last year of softball was filled with so many accomplishments and amazing teammates that I will never forget!”

“This season has been a testament to each and every one of my teammates’ and coaches’ determination and love for the game. The memories I’ve created, and the lessons I’ve been taught, will last me a lifetime, and I’m forever grateful for Burns softball for bringing out a fire and passion within me that I didn’t know existed,” Lacie Tiller said.

Halle Houck said, “Ending my senior year on such a positive note meant everything to me. This sport, team, and coaching staff exemplified the best of my sports experiences, and the memories will forever last.”

“This season was perfect! Not only the record, but the teammates and coaches as well,” Mattie Woodbury said.

Merissa Medley said, “This team was more like a family at the end of the day. Everyone made it so much more than just the last 12 innings. I couldn’t have asked for different people to coach, laugh, or work with me! I love my teammates so much and will miss them all!”

Coach Medley finished by saying, “Our assistant coaches deserve a huge amount of credit for what they bring to the team. Each one of them has a unique style and delivery that every one of our players benefit from, and I can’t tell them ‘thank you’ enough.” He went on to say, “I’m extremely proud to say that I am a coach of such an amazing group of young ladies. Their energy and passion for each other and the game of softball is unsurpassed! Our five seniors have led the way in establishing a culture and climate that girls for years to come will be able to be excited to be part of.”