The easiest way to win a championship in softball is to keep the other teams off the bases – therefore, giving them no chance to score. That’s what the Belgreen Lady Bulldogs did in their march to a third–straight Franklin County championship.

In three games, Belgreen allowed eight base runners, beating Tharptown 5-1 and Vina 15-0 and 10-0 to win the championship.
“I am super proud of our girls and the way they competed throughout the tournament,” said Sander Tverberg, for whom the county championship is his first as the head coach. “We had a discussion the day before the tournament, and we talked about how the county tournament is an important part of the season. The expectation is you get everyone’s very best – and Tharptown and Vina proved that in our games.

“I have a lot of respect for the fellow coaches in Franklin County and how hard they work for their programs,” Tverberg added. “It is great to see our girls reach a goal they have set and earn the title of county champions. This makes three in a row for our program, and I’m happy to be a part.

“Vina did a great job of hosting and getting it in under all the threat of weather. We look forward to competing again next season.”

Lily Blackburn pitched a two-hit, complete game shutout in the championship game for Belgreen. Hannah Borden pitched a two-hit, complete game shutout in the previous game against the Red Devils.

Vina battled to the championship, beating Red Bay 7-2 to open the tournament. The Red Devils were sent to the loser’s bracket after the 15-0 loss to Belgreen but came back, beating Red Bay once again 5-2 to advance to the championship game.

“I’m so proud of my girls. They keep getting better,” said Vina coach Jonathan Jones. “I tell them all the time, we just want to keep getting closer to those top teams in the county and in the area. This week we got closer, although we still have much room for improvement. I love the attitude of this team, and it makes coming to work fun every day.”

Here are the scores from all the county tournament action:

• Tharptown 3, Phil Campbell 1
• Vina 7, Red Bay 2
• Belgreen 5, Tharptown 1
• Belgreen 15, Vina 0
• Red Bay 6, Phil Campbell 1
• Red Bay 6, Tharptown 2
• Vina 5, Red Bay 2
• Belgreen 10, Vina 0