SEC softball: Can anyone catch Burlington?

In just their second year in the Southeast Conference, the Burlington Grayhounds are threatening to win a conference title in the sport of softball.

Burlington is currently 13-2 in the SEC with just five games to play. The Grayhounds have won their last 11 conference contests, including five-straight over Union area coverage teams over the last week and-a-half.

Just two teams sit close enough in Burlington’s rear-view to pose a threat to the crown. Defending champion Fairfield is at 9-4, just two games back in the loss column, and Washington is right behind the them, at 10-5.

The Trojans and Demons are the only two teams to take a game from the Grayhounds in SEC play this season. Fairfield topped the Grayhounds 6-3 in the first game of a doubleheader on June 3. Four days later, Washington nipped Burlington 6-5 in Game 1.

Unfortunately for Fairfield, the Trojans have no more scheduled games against the Grayounds this season. Burlington closed the season series out with two wins over Fairfield on June 21.

The Grayhounds also have just one more game against Washington. The Demons dropped Game 1, 15-0 on June 24, before the second game was postponed. That means both teams will have to hope for some help from either Keokuk or Fort Madison, who both scheduled to take on Burlington in early July.

For Mt. Pleasant, it’s all about grabbing that first conference win. Mt. Pleasant has five more chances, playing Fort Madison twice, Washington twice and Fairfield once before the regular season ends.

The Panthers are currently 0-15 on the season. The Panthers have yet to hold an opposing SEC team to single digits.

Statistically, Fairfield is the top SEC team offensively. The Trojans lead the conference with a .319 batting average, 12 home runs and 167 RBIs. Washington is close behind in all three categories, ranking third with a .301 batting average, and sitting second with eight home runs and 159 RBIs.

Mt. Pleasant’s offense has lagged behind. The Panthers are hitting .207 this year with one home run and 34 RBIs, putting them at the bottom of all three lists.

Washington’s Kellie Dallmeyer leads the conference with a .515 batting average. Fairfield’s Hannah Simpson leads the league with six homeruns and 45 RBIs. That RBI mark is 13 better than second-place Dallmeyer.

Washington’s Ella Greiner leads the SEC with 16 stolen bases. Dallmeyer leads the way with 51 hits, and Fairfield’s Coty Engle is tops in runs, with 42.

Burlington has used its arms better than anyone in the conference this year. The Grayhounds have the two top ERAs among active players, with Saydee Plummer sporting a 1.96 ERA, and Kayla Norton sitting at 3.49. Engle is third, at 3.56.

SEC SOFTBALL STANDINGS

Team Conference Overall

1. Burlington 13-2, 16-13

2. Fairfield 9-4, 16-11

3. Washington 10-5, 16-14

4. Keokuk 7-17, 5-7

5. Fort Madison 3-7, 7-14

6. Mt. Pleasant 0-15, 1-27