Though it almost seems like a season ago that Lane was 6-9 and struggling to find an identity, coach George Stavrakas had a quick answer when asked what has sparked his team’s most recent success.

“We flipped-flipped our third baseman and our shortstop,” Stavrakas said.

And ever since, the Indians have compiled a school record 20 consecutive wins, including Saturday’s 6-2 Public League championship victory over Young.  That streak is now seven in a row and 14 of the last 16.

Now, the Indians (26-9) will focus on another goal, and that’s a sectional title that they know will likely go through No. 8 Trinity, which they would meet in the Class 4A Resurrection sectional title game.

Stavrakas was clear he wasn’t overlooking any playoff opponent, but was heading over to the Ballpark in Rosemont to get an early look at what might be awaiting him. But for now, the Indians were enjoying another hardware moment.

“Three in a row for me,” said junior shortstop Madi Maldonado, who was 3-for-4. “I remember freshman year and the nerves, but now it just feels like we should be out here.”

The Indians didn’t start like they should be out there, going scoreless in the first two innings while center fielder Alyssa Santana was ejected after being thrown out at home and giving the catcher a little shove after she received an aggressive tag.

“She’s a senior and a tough kid and you always get caught for retaliation,” Stavrakas said.

The Indians quickly recovered in the third, scoring two runs on a throwing error off a bunt by Santana’s replacement Casey Cusano.  They increased the lead to 5-0 in the fourth on an RBI double by freshman Kayla Garcia (2-for-4) — who just missed her tenth home run of the season — an RBI single by Hailey Pieruccini, and a run scoring error.

“This is amazing and we just have this will to win,” Garcia said.

The Dolphins (19-10) closed within 5-2 in the sixth on back-to-back doubles by Maddi DiVittorio and Tara Stafford and an RBI single by Rachel Brown.

Maldonado added an RBI double in the bottom half of the sixth for the final score. Avelyss Roman got the win for the Indians, giving up six hits and one walk.  Zoe Nykaza  suffered the loss for the Dolphins.

“It was very comforting knowing we have an experienced group that has been here,” Stavrakas said.

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