Softball showdown: Thompson tops Saraland in battle of No. 1 teams

4 weeks ago 7

Thompson's Autumn Ingle pitches during the Thompson vs Saraland softball game in Chelsea, Ala., Friday, April 17, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)

Saraland's Myleigh Dobbins pitches during the Thompson vs Saraland softball game in Chelsea, Ala., Friday, April 17, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)

Saraland's Emily Ready preps to bat during the Thompson vs Saraland softball game in Chelsea, Ala., Friday, April 17, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)

Saraland's Kyla Reed tracks down a crafty line drive during the Thompson vs Saraland softball game in Chelsea, Ala., Friday, April 17, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)

Thompson coach Kevin Todd track this team during the Thompson vs Saraland softball game in Chelsea, Ala., Friday, April 17, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)

Saraland's Lillian Roberts singles during the Thompson vs Saraland softball game in Chelsea, Ala., Friday, April 17, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)

Saraland's Bryleigh Goff waits to bat during the Thompson vs Saraland softball game in Chelsea, Ala., Friday, April 17, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)

Thompson's Autumn Ingle pitches during the Thompson vs Saraland softball game in Chelsea, Ala., Friday, April 17, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)

Thompson's Josie Hamm throws back to the infield during the Thompson vs Saraland softball game in Chelsea, Ala., Friday, April 17, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)

Thompson's Blakely Davis drives the ball during the Thompson vs Saraland softball game in Chelsea, Ala., Friday, April 17, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)

Saraland's Jadyn Byrd hugs Kyla Reed after Reed turned two during the Thompson vs Saraland softball game in Chelsea, Ala., Friday, April 17, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)

Thompson's Morgan Adolphus lead off first during the Thompson vs Saraland softball game in Chelsea, Ala., Friday, April 17, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)

Saraland's Myleigh Dobbins and Jazlynn Skanes celebrates a double play during the Thompson vs Saraland softball game in Chelsea, Ala., Friday, April 17, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)

Thompson's Krimson Calhoun throws to first base during the Thompson vs Saraland softball game in Chelsea, Ala., Friday, April 17, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)

Saraland's Lillian Roberts celebrates her hit during the Thompson vs Saraland softball game in Chelsea, Ala., Friday, April 17, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)

Thompson's Aubrey Bauer throws back the pitcher during the Thompson vs Saraland softball game in Chelsea, Ala., Friday, April 17, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)

Saraland's Kyla Reed delivers to first for a double play during the Thompson vs Saraland softball game in Chelsea, Ala., Friday, April 17, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)

Thompson’s dugout watches the game during the Thompson vs Saraland softball game in Chelsea, Ala., Friday, April 17, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)

Thompson's Daney Motes talks with Thompson coach Kaleigh Furuto during the Thompson vs Saraland softball game in Chelsea, Ala., Friday, April 17, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)

ACA’s EK Champion celebrates a score during the ACA vs. Etowah softball game in Chelsea, Ala., Friday, April 17, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)

ACA’s Olivia Hape pitches during the ACA vs. Etowah softball game in Chelsea, Ala., Friday, April 17, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)

ACA’s Ragan Morrison guards home with a look at the runner at third during the ACA vs. Etowah softball game in Chelsea, Ala., Friday, April 17, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)

Etowah’s Elizabeth Gilliland doubles during the ACA vs. Etowah softball game in Chelsea, Ala., Friday, April 17, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)

Etowah’s JK Bennett triples in two runs to bring Etowah within one run at 10-9 in the seventh during the ACA vs. Etowah softball game in Chelsea, Ala., Friday, April 17, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)

Etowah’s Elizabeth Gilliland talks with teammate Jaden Morgan during the ACA vs. Etowah softball game in Chelsea, Ala., Friday, April 17, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)

Etowah’s Maggy Bennett ends an inning during the ACA vs. Etowah softball game in Chelsea, Ala., Friday, April 17, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)

Etowah’s Elizabeth Gilliland pitches during the ACA vs. Etowah softball game in Chelsea, Ala., Friday, April 17, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)

Etowah’s Kylee Wilder throws to first base during the ACA vs. Etowah softball game in Chelsea, Ala., Friday, April 17, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)

Thompson sophomore Kelsey Burden smashed a run-scoring triple to center field in the bottom of the seventh inning to lift the Warriors past Saraland 2-1 in a battle of No. 1 teams in the Hornet Invitational round-robin tournament at Chelsea on Friday.

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