AHSAA softball: Live updates from Day 1 of state tournament action
A double-elimination bracket for both classes will be played over a two-day period, championships at Signature Field on Tuesday.
Olivia Bennett 
The AHSAA state softball tournament officially kicked off Monday, as teams across Class 6A and Class 4A descended on Choccolocco Park in Oxford. With eight fields buzzing with activity, the double-elimination format ensures that every pitch carries immense weight as squads fight to remain in the winners bracket or battle back through elimination play.
Each team is set to play three games during this opening day of competition. The tournament concludes Tuesday with the championship games held at Signature Field. For a closer look at the road ahead, see the full pairings for the state tournament here. Additionally, all eyes are on Orange Beach as they hunt for a record-setting sixth consecutive state title.
Live Tournament Updates
The action got underway at 9 a.m. with an intense slate of opening matchups. Early highlights included Plainview's 10-0 victory over Geneva and Helena's commanding 13-3 performance against Athens, fueled by Hayden Traywick's triple and home run. In the battle of the top seeds, defending champion Orange Beach edged out West Limestone 2-0 thanks to a shutout performance from MK McMullan.
As play progressed into the late morning, the intensity ramped up. Spain Park advanced after a 7-4 win over Hartselle, while the Oxford-Saraland showdown pushed deep into extra innings, with Saraland eventually breaking a 3-3 deadlock in the 12th frame to secure a 5-3 lead.
Class 4A Second-Round Pairings
Following the conclusion of the initial games, the field for the 12:30 p.m. second-round matchups in Class 4A is set:
Winners Bracket
- Orange Beach vs. American Christian (Field 7)
- West Morgan vs. Plainview (Signature Field)
Elimination Bracket
- West Limestone vs. Hamilton (Field 5)
- Munford vs. Geneva (Field 6)
Opening Round Scores
First-round action saw several decisive results:
- Wetumpka 4, Gardendale 1
- Helena 13, Athens 3
- Plainview 10, Geneva 0
- American Christian 2, Hamilton 1
- West Morgan 14, Munford 3
- Orange Beach 2, West Limestone 0
- Spain Park 7, Hartselle 4
