Hewitt-Trussville Clinches Historic Class 7A Softball Title in Dramatic Finish
JACKSONVILLE, AL – Hewitt-Trussville High School etched its name in AHSAA history Friday morning, securing the Class 7A State Softball Championship in a nail-biting conclusion at Jacksonville State University’s Jana McGinnis Softball Field. The Huskies, led by standout pitcher Harper Looney, claimed the title by recording just one final out, marking a first in state championship history.
The championship game against Thompson High School, which began Thursday night at Choccolocco Park, was suspended due to inclement weather with Hewitt-Trussville leading 2-1 and two outs in the top of the seventh inning. Heavy rains forced the game to resume Friday morning on JSU’s artificial turf field. Looney, who had already delivered a stellar performance, struck out the only batter she faced to seal the victory and was later named the tournament MVP.
A Battle Through Adversity
The Huskies (48-10-1) showcased resilience throughout the double-elimination tournament. After falling to the consolation bracket, they powered through with decisive wins over Austin (14-4) and Vestavia Hills (14-4) to earn a rematch against Thompson. In the first game of the finals Thursday night, Hewitt-Trussville dominated with an 11-0 victory, forcing the decisive “if” game.
The final game was a tightly contested affair. Hewitt-Trussville took an early lead in the first inning when Corey Goguts scored on a wild pitch. Thompson tied the game in the third inning, but Goguts capitalized on a fielding error in the fifth to put the Huskies ahead 2-1—a lead they would not relinquish.
Key Performances
Looney’s performance in the circle was pivotal. She allowed just seven hits and one earned run across the game, with her lone strikeout coming at the most critical moment. Offensively, Cate Bruce led the Huskies with a triple, while Kylie Hendrick added a double. Presley Hull and Taylor McLaughlin also contributed hits, and Goguts scored both of the team’s runs.
For Thompson (48-2-2), Kadyn Bush went 3-for-3, and Morgan Adolphus added an RBI single. Despite strong pitching efforts from Autumn Ingle and Bush, the Warriors couldn’t overcome Hewitt-Trussville’s determined play.
A Legacy of Excellence
This victory marks Hewitt-Trussville’s fifth state championship since 2019, solidifying their dominance in Class 7A softball. The Huskies’ triumph also ended Thompson’s bid for back-to-back titles, as the Warriors had previously claimed championships in 2022 and 2025.
The dramatic conclusion to the 2026 championship will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most unique and thrilling moments in AHSAA history. For the Huskies, it was a testament to their grit, teamwork, and unyielding determination to reclaim the state crown.
FEATURED IMAGE: Hewitt-Trussville celebrates the Huskies’ 7A State Championship – won after just one batter Friday morning at Jacksonville State’s Jana McGinnis Field (PHOTO | Courtesy AL.com)
