Making their return trip to the State Softball Tournament, the Holton Wildcats made quick work of Colby with a 10-0 opening round win on Thursday in Emporia.  Gracie Gallagher tossed a one-hit shutout and Jewel Lutz was 3-3 with five RBI and two runs scored as the Cats took advantage of seven Colby errors and went all gas and no brakes until ending the game in the fifth inning by run-rule.

After Gallagher struck out the side to begin the game, Holton got on the scoreboard with a pair of runs on two hits and two errors and led 2-0 before leaving the bases loaded in the first.  Gallagher went on to retire the first nine batters she faced with six strikeouts while the Wildcat offense added two more runs in the third frame and then put it away with four runs on four hits in the fourth inning to take an 8-0 advantage. 

Gallagher allowed only two runners while improving to 12-2 on the season and was also 2-4 at the plate with three runs scored.  Bailey Flewelling had a hit and scored twice while Grace Utz tripled and had a pair of RBI.  Lutz singled home two runs in the first, then doubled and scored in the third before adding a two-run triple in the fourth.  She had a chance to hit for the cycle in the fifth inning, but after failing twice to lay down a bunt, she delivered sac fly to end the game and improve Holton's record to 20-2 on the season with their 13th straight victory.  

It's the first 20-win campaign for Holton softball, who advances to play defending state champ Silver Lake in the 3A State semifinals on Friday at 1:00 PM.  Live coverage can be heard on KNZA 103.9 FM and free online at www.mscsports.net.