By Keith Harrington

Although their business isn’t quite finished yet, the Salem softball team took a giant leap toward winning a state title on Friday. The Generals rolled past Section VII champion Crown Point 15-3 in the Class D state regional final in Plattsburgh.

The win lands Salem in the state final four for the second consecutive year. The Generals fell in the state semifinals last year.

The Generals jumped out to a 2-0 lead, but the third inning was clearly decisive as Salem exploded for 13 runs to take a 15-0 advantage.

Crown Point plated single runs in the third, fourth, and fifth but it wasn’t enough to avoid a five-inning run-rule defeat.

Sophia Keays earned the win in the circle for Salem, spinning a 3-hitter with 14 strikeouts. Keays played a role in all 15 outs recorded by the Generals.

Salem only recorded seven hits in the contest. They took advantage of seven walks, two errors and two hit batters in the third inning alone.

Renee Cary led Salem at the plate with a double and three RBIs.

Meredith Barrett and Riley Gallagher contributed singles and drove in two runs each.

Salem now advances to meet Sackets Harbor or Chateaugay in the Class D state semifinals next Friday at Martha Avenue Recreational Park in Brookhaven. That game is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. The winner plays in the state championship game on Saturday.

Salem is now 16-4 and heads to Long Island with Adirondack League and regional crowns under their belt.

Crown Point ends the season 11-3.