By Clif Knight

Hartselle Enquirer

Hartselle High School’s girls softball team defeated three opponents to win the North Region Softball Tournament in Huntsville and earn a shot at a second state championship in six years under head coach Christy Ferguson.

The Lady Tigers (39-15) will meet Hueytown, runner-up in the North Central Region, Friday at 9 a.m. in their first state tournament test in Montgomery.

“I thought we showed some of our best softball of the season by getting to the state after three wins,” said Ferguson. “Our pitching was solid, and our hitting was exceptional.

“They’re all excited because competing in the state tournament is a new experience for this team,” she added. “These players are a talented group, and they’ve distinguished themselves with excellent hitting. From top to bottom, it’s the best hitting team I’ve had during my six years as head coach. The team has a combined .350 batting average and has hit 58 home runs.”

Hartselle emerged as the only undefeated team in Class 6A region action by defeating rival Austin 14-3 in five innings. The girls came out on top in four of the six games they played against the Black Bears in 2018.

Kylie Winton paced the Lady Tigers with solo and grand slam home runs. She accounted for five of the 14 runs her team scored. McKenzie Jackson, Emily Cowart, Brooklyn Wallace Kylie DuBose and Lilly Anna Cartee each drove in a run.

Morgyn Sparkman was credited with the win. She allowed three runs on seven hits while walking one.

Hartselle picked up a 2-1 win over Pell City in the Lady Tigers’ first region game on Thursday and followed with a 5-3 decision over second-ranked Hazel Green in their second game the same day.

Winton had two solo home runs to account for all of Hartselle’s runs against Pell City. She homered in the top of the fourth inning to tie the game at 1-1 and gave her team a one-run lead in the next inning for the win.

Sparkman pitched three innings in relief and was credited with the win.

Winton’s two-run homer in the top of the seventh inning broke a 3-3 tie with Hazel Green and led to Hartselle’s 5-3 win. She finished the game with three hits and three RBIs. Kylie Cartee drove in a run with a double and single, and Kenzie Parker had two hits and scored a run.

Sparkman picked up her second win of the day with a complete game.