Indians seize state chance

Burroughs led for most of the first game, but the Lancers (23-8) — runner-up from the Marmonte League — came back to tie the score late at 17. But a kill by Jacobs put the Indians back on top, and they never relinquished the lead.

Thousand Oaks had the lead early in Game 2, 3-1, only to have the Indians snatch it back at 10-9. Although Thousand Oaks was able to tie the score five more times, it couldn't manage to lead again.

It looked as if the Indians were going to roll to a three-game sweep, leading, 20-15, in the third game. But mistakes began to plague Burroughs, allowing the Lancers to go on a 10-3 run to end the stanza with a win.

In the fourth game, Thousand Oaks came back to take a 16-15 advantage. But the Indians clawed their way back and were finally able to surge in front, 22-21, on a Lancers hitting error, completing a solid 5-1 run.

It was the first time Burroughs participated in state competition in program history.

The win allows the Indians to continue a record-breaking season. Along with winning its second-straight Pacific League championship, Burroughs advanced to a CIF Southern Section title match for the first time after not getting out of the second round in 2010. In addition, it has set a program record for victories in a season.