Thompson softball team earns spot in AHSAA Regional playoffs

Thompson High’s softball team failed to win a Class 7A Area 5 tournament title but the Warriors took an important step by qualifying to play in the AHSAA Regional Playoffs.

The Warriors clinched the Regional berth with a convincing win over Vestavia Hills but fell victim to a big inning in the area tournament championship game loss to host Tuscaloosa County.

Thompson 8, Vestavia Hills 2

The Warriors built a 6-2 lead after three innings and scored at least one run in each of the first five innings. Pitcher Bailey Whitfield made sure that was good enough by scattering nine hits and allowing two earned runs.

Kennedy Foote got Thompson off to a quick start with a two-run double in the first inning and Taylor Cordova’s two-run double highlighted a three-run third innings.

Foote and Lauren Haskins each had three hits. Foote scored two runs and drove home two more while Haskins had a run and a RBI. Cordova was 2 for 2 with two RBI, a run and a walk. Madison Plunkett had two hits and two RBI.

Tuscaloosa County 15, Thompson 5

Tuscaloosa County hit three home runs, including a pair of grand slams, and scored eight runs in the sixth inning to emerge with the win. Thompson trailed just 7-5 heading into that sixth inning.

Sidney Adams was 3 for 3 with two RBI and a run to lead the Warriors (42-9-1). Haskins had two hits for the Warriors, who finished with eight hits.