AUGUSTA – Nichole Searles singled, doubled and tripled to back up Jen Wardwell’s pitching and lead the Skowhegan Lady Indians to a 12-1 victory over Salem, N.H., in the New England American Softball Association age 16 and under regional championship Sunday.

Wardwell pitched the complete game for the 5-0 Lady Indians, striking out 6 and allowing only 6 hits. She pitched all five games over a period of 3 days for Skowhegan.

Salem is the ASA New Hampshire state champion and finishes the tournament at 4-2.

The Lady Indians reached the championship by first defeating Taunton, Mass., 6-1 Friday. They then defeated Reading, Mass., 13-4 and Salem, N.H., 5-2. Earlier Sunday, Skowhegan defeated Connecticut state champion Ledyard 4-2.

With the New England title, the Lady Indians now qualify for the National ASA Championship to be held Aug. 8-11 in Chattanooga, Tenn.