By Mike Ramczyk
BURLINGTON – For the first time in school history, the Burlington varsity softball team has 21 wins.
But it was a different number shouted when the Lady Demons gathered for a final team huddle after winning Friday night’s WIAA Division 1 Regional Final against visiting Janesville Parker – 22.
Burlington (21-6) isn’t satisfied with a regional title, they have larger goals.
“I can’t even tell you how much fun we’ve had as coaches this year,” said Burlington coach Gary Caliva. “They’re a great group of kids.”
“We expected to make sectionals and expected to win tonight. We just sit back and watch these girls play. We have two great leaders. Tay Lewis and Dani Koenen have been our captains for two years, and they help these kids.”
Koenen struck out 14 Vikings en route to the dominant performance. The Demons scored three runs in the first then broke things open with a 4-spot in the fourth.
Jaina Westphal led the Lady Demons with three hits including a triple and double.
Josie Klein and Koenen each added two hits and three RBIs.
Lewis added a bases-clearing double.
Koenen only allowed four hits and walked two.
Now, the challenge changes immensely.
Burlington must travel to state No. 1 Union Grove Tuesday in a sectional semifinal Tuesday. Grove has beaten Burlington twice this season.
“We don’t have to play perfect, but we have to play good softball,” Caliva said. “We need to play with confidence, and we can beat them.”
Stay tuned to www.myracinecounty.com Tuesday night for live updates from Sports Editor Mike Ramczyk (@mikeramczyk17) and Sports Correspondent Jason Arndt (thejasonarnt). On Wednesday, pick up the Burlington Standard Press for full results and more photos.
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