HAYS – The Hays High Indians beat Buhler and McPherson Wednesday to win the 4A-D1 Regional softball tournament at the Bickle Schmidt Sports Complex in Hays. The Indians improved to 10-10 on the season and have qualified for the state tournament next week in Salina.

Championship game Hays 14, McPherson 11

Hays High hit three home runs in the championship game and come from behind to beat McPherson 14-11.

McPherson jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first inning as the first five hitters reached base and came in to score.

Hays would chip away at the Bullpups lead scoring one in the first and four in the third inning, highlighted by an Albany Schaffer two-run home run making it 6-5 McPherson after three innings.

After McPherson scored three in the top of the fourth to go up 9-5 the Indian bats came alive scoring eight runs on seven hits. The Indians got a pair of two-run home runs from Nicole Dinkel and Shannon Schumacher, her first of the season putting Hays up 13-9 after four innings.

Post-game Interview with coach Erin Wagner

Freshmen Jaysa Wichers allowed just two runs on three hits and struck out four in three and two-thirds innings to earn the win in relief.

Schaffer was two-for-two, scored three times and drove in two. Tessa Stickel was three-for-three scored twice and drove in two.

Game Highlights

Semifinal Game Hays 11, Buhler 3
In the first game of the day, the semifinal matchup with Buhler the Indians scored six runs in the sixth inning in the 11-3 win.

Tessa Stickel was three-for-four with a two-run home run and scored three times. Albany Schaffer was also on base three times and scored three runs.

Jaysa Wichers allowed three runs on six hits and struck out seven in a complete game victory.

Hays will play in the first round of the 4A-D1 state softball tournament at Bill Burke Complex in Salina Thursday.