AHSAA softball: Check out live updates from Day 3 of state tournament

The intensity is heating up in Oxford as the AHSAA state softball tournament hits Day 3. While two classifications are poised to crown new champions, others are just beginning their pursuit of the title at Choccolocco Park.

Championship Pursuits

The tournament landscape is narrowing for Classes 5A and 1A. In Class 5A, Houston Academy and Lawrence County have battled through the preliminary rounds to reach the championship stage, while Kinston has already secured its spot in the 1A title game.

Tournament Delays

Weather has played a factor in Wednesday's schedule. As of 10:35 a.m., play remains on hold due to a lightning delay, with 11:05 a.m. now marked as the earliest possible restart time. Prior to the stoppage, the field saw plenty of action, including a 7-1 lead for Austin over Daphne in 7A play and a strong showing from Hewitt-Trussville, which leads Baker 8-1 in the bottom of the fourth.

Early Action Highlights

Before the skies forced a pause, fans were treated to high-stakes softball across all fields:

• Thompson 7, Fairhope 1: The Warriors jumped out to an early lead, bolstered by a big five-run second inning that featured a two-run triple from Morgan Adolphus.
• Vestavia Hills 4, Central-Phenix City 2: In a tight 7A clash, the Rebels leveraged back-to-back RBI singles from Lilly Ferguson and Chloe Leahy to maintain their advantage through four innings.
• Austin 7, Daphne 1: Despite a base-loaded threat from the fourth-ranked Trojans, Austin pitcher Grace Lamb held firm to preserve the lead.

Schedule Overview

Classes 7A and 2A began their tournament runs this morning. The day's schedule includes a full slate of elimination and championship games across the complex:

Class 7A (First Round, 9 a.m.)

• Daphne vs. Austin (Field 1)
• Central-Phenix City vs. Vestavia Hills (Field 2)
• Hewitt-Trussville vs. Baker (Field 3)
• Thompson vs. Fairhope (Field 4)

Class 5A

• Elimination Bracket: Springville vs. Faith Academy, 9 a.m. (Signature Field); Lawrence County vs. Springville/Faith Academy, 10:45 a.m. (Signature Field)
• Championship: Houston Academy vs. TBD, 2:15 p.m. (Signature Field)
• If-needed: 4 p.m. (Signature Field)

Class 2A (First Round, 10:45 a.m.)

• G.W. Long vs. North Sand Mountain (Field 1)
• Southeastern vs. Sumiton Christian (Field 2)
• Lamar County vs. Ranburne (Field 3)
• Cleveland vs. J.U. Blacksher (Field 4)

Class 1A

• Elimination Bracket: Hackleburg vs. Maplesville, 10:45 a.m. (Field 5); Ider vs. winner, 2:15 p.m. (Field 5)
• Championship: Kinston vs. TBD, 5:45 p.m. (Signature Field)
• If-needed: 7:30 p.m. (Signature Field)