Saint James Clinches 2026 AHSAA Class 3A State Softball Championship

JACKSONVILLE, AL — The Saint James School Trojans capped off a stellar season by clinching the 2026 AHSAA Class 3A State Softball Championship with a commanding 9-1 victory over Colbert County. The championship game, held at Jacksonville State University’s Jana McGinnis Field, marked the Trojans’ sixth state title and their first since 2008.

Senior pitcher Emily Needham delivered a standout performance, pitching a three-hitter with seven strikeouts and earning the tournament’s MVP honors. Needham also contributed offensively with a double, setting the tone for the Trojans’ dominant display. Saint James (38-6-1), under the guidance of head coach Mark Hall, went undefeated in the two-day tournament, showcasing their depth and determination.

The Trojans wasted no time asserting their dominance, scoring three runs in the first inning, two in the second, and four in the third to build an insurmountable 9-0 lead. Shortstop Sydney Johnson played a pivotal role, driving in the first run of the game and finishing with two hits, two runs, and three RBIs. Kaitlyn Hudson and Emily Darby also made significant contributions, combining for four hits, five runs, and four RBIs.

Colbert County (51-10) managed to break through in the fifth inning with a solo home run by catcher Hallie Holland, who also recorded two hits. Pitcher Makayli Davis took the loss, allowing four hits and three runs over 4 2/3 innings.

The victory was a culmination of three seasons of hard work and near-misses for the Trojans, making this championship especially meaningful for the team and its supporters. The win also concluded the 2026 AHSAA State Softball Championships, which crowned champions across seven classifications.

Saint James’ triumph not only highlights their exceptional talent and teamwork but also cements their legacy as one of Alabama’s premier high school softball programs.