Softball Earns Sixth Consecutive Area Championship

WETUMPKA, Ala. -- Wetumpka softball earned its sixth consecutive area championship on Saturday after taking down the Stanhope Elmore Mustangs in the second round and championship game.

After winning the area during the regular season, the Indians recieved a first-round bye, and would face the winner of Stanhope Elmore and Percy Julian on Friday. 

On Friday, the Indians faced off against the Mustangs at 4:00. Wetumpka jumped out to an early 2-0 lead by the third inning after Bailey Carlisle knocked in Lalah Culpepper in the bottom of the first and Sophie Arant's sacrifice fly allowed Lexi Smith to score in the third.

In the top of the fourth, Stanhope plated its only two runs of the game, tying the score at 2 apiece.

The Indians bounced back quickly with an eight run bottom of the fourth, highlighted by Kyla Richardson's inside-the-park grand slam. Those eight runs proved to be enough as the Indians won 10-2, marking their fifth consecutive 40+ win season.

Culpepper pitched all 7 innings, allowing just one earned run while striking out six. Left fielder Autymn Hollon was a consistent bat for the black and gold, recording a 3-4 night with two doubles. 

Saturday saw a rematch between the Mustangs and Indians, this time for the area championship. The Indians left nothing to chance, recording a run-rule victory in five innings, 17-3.

Wetumpka's power at the plate was on full display, as three Indians notched homeruns. Bailey Carlisle recorded an inside-the-park home run in the top of the fourth in a 3-for-4 showing. Taylor Carlisle put one over the left field fences in the at bat immediately after, giving back-to-back homers to the Indians. 

It was the bat of Culpepper who stole the show, who hit for the cycle and drew a walk. Smith went 2-for-5, scoring three times and adding 2 RBI's. 

Abigal Adams made the start for the Indians, pitching all five innings of the contest, striking out two while allowing no walks. 

Softball will head to Gulf Shores for the South Regional on Monday, May 11 and Tuesday, May 12 with a spot in the State Tournament on the line.