Playing in the state tournament for only the second time in program history, Perry-Lecompton’s softball team will open against Southeast-Saline at 7 p.m. today at the Twin Oaks Complex in Manhattan.

The fifth-seeded Kaws (21-2), who won a Big Seven League title, earned a spot at the Class 3A state tournament with regional wins over Riverside and Oskaloosa. Among their 21 wins, 14 are from mercy-rule victories.

Perry-Lecompton is led by a strong lineup featuring Harleigh Robertson, Megan Fast, Cassody O’Connor, Abbi Folks, Graci Folks, Ally Wright, Ashlee Janes, Bailey Leming and Ronna Erickson.

Robertson owns a .613 batting average with 16 home runs and 67 RBIs. Junior pitcher Megan Fast has an 11-0 record with a 1.88 ERA and 73 strikeouts, while hitting .603 with five homers and 32 RBI.

Southeast-Saline is the No. 4 seed and has a 20-1 record.