All throughout the season, the Salina Falcons featured strong pitching arms in the starting rotation.

They met their match in the Class AAA Legion Mid-South Regional Tournament.

Despite Cade Sterrett’s three-hit gem, the Falcons were limited to one hit in a 1-0 defeat to New Orleans Thursday. Salina lost for the second time in the double-elimination tournament, ending the Falcons’ season.

NOLA struck first blood in the second off a two-out single. Sterrett settled in from there, lasting all six innings, striking out six and walking just one batter.

In the ensuing frame, outfielder Ben Driver picked up a one-out single. Salina and New Orleans combined for nine base runners all game, five coming from the Falcons.

Salina finished the year 35-4. The Falcons won their first state championship since 2007 and claimed their first Kansas Grand Slam Tournament title in 25 years.