Class 1A softball: Lilli Sumblin pitches a gem to lift Kinston past Hackleburg for second straight title
The victory for Kinston (34-11) brings the program its third overall softball championship and its second straight.
Olivia Bennett 
Kinston has officially defended its throne. Behind a masterclass performance from Lillie Sumblin, the Bulldogs secured back-to-back state titles with a dominant 8-0 shutout victory over Hackleburg in the Class 1A state championship game on Tuesday.
A Dominant Title Defense
Sumblin was nearly untouchable in the circle, carrying a no-hitter deep into the seventh inning. The senior ace ultimately finished with a complete-game shutout, allowing only two hits while walking three and racking up seven strikeouts on 93 pitches. This victory marks the third overall state championship for the Kinston program (34-11) and its second consecutive title, following the Bulldogs' 7-2 win over Hackleburg in the 2025 championship game.
Power at the Plate
Sumblin did more than just stifle Hackleburg’s lineup; she led the charge offensively as well. She finished with a team-high three RBIs, highlighted by a two-RBI triple in the second inning and an RBI ground ball in the fifth that plated Lauren Norris.
The offense was relentless throughout the lineup. Camdyn Norris and Adalyn Whigham paced the attack with three hits each, with Camdyn Norris adding a double. Meanwhile, the quartet of Aubrey Norris, Maddie Williamson, Lauren Norris, and Brynne Kelley each tallied two hits apiece. Lauren Norris was instrumental in the production, finishing her day with two RBIs and a triple.
Hackleburg struggled to find an answer against the Bulldogs' defensive pressure, managing only one hit each from Mariela Garcia and Heidi Hudson, both of which came in the final frame.
