Trion Lady Bulldogs Punch Their Ticket to Columbus, Advancing to the Elite Eight

The Trion Lady Bulldogs are heading to Columbus after another dominant postseason performance, clinching their spot in the Elite Eight of the GHSA State Fast-Pitch Softball Tournament with a commanding victory over the Lincoln County Lady Red Devils in front of their home crowd on Monday.

Trion defeated Lincoln County in back-to-back games — winning Game 1, 3–2, and Game 2, 15–2 — to officially punch their ticket to Columbus and continue their run for a state championship.

A Season to Remember

It’s been a season of excellence and determination for the Lady Bulldogs, who have steadily achieved every goal they set:

• Win Region

• Host and win the 1st round of state playoffs

• Host and win the 2nd round of state playoffs

• Make the Elite Eight and go to Columbus

Big Second Inning Breaks It Open

According to GameChanger Media, the Lady Bulldogs’ offense exploded in the second inning of Game 2 to break the game wide open.

• Riley Manscill laid down a sacrifice bunt to bring in one run.

• Stella Morrison doubled and scored one run.

• Ella Ray doubled, scoring one.

• Averie Gable singled, scoring one run.

• Addison Wilson singled, scoring one run.

• An error brought in another run.

• Manscill then singled again, driving in two more runs.

Trion had already jumped ahead early in the first inning when Hartley Staton drew a walk, Manscill scored after tagging up, and Gable cleared the bases with a double to bring in two more runs.

In the fourth inning, the Bulldogs added three more runs: Abbi Wheat homered to left field for a two-run shot, and Gable added an RBI single, extending the lead to 15–1.

Strong Pitching and Team Effort

Addison Wilson started in the circle for Trion, allowing just two hits and two runs (one earned) over four innings while striking out five and walking one.

Trion’s offense was relentless and broadly distributed:

• The team collected 14 hits in the game.

• Averie Gable led the effort with 4 RBIs, going 3-for-4 at the plate.

• Riley Manscill and Caity DeLay each collected multiple hits.

• The Lady Bulldogs drew six walks, with Wheat and Staton each earning two.

On to Columbus

With the win, the Lady Bulldogs advance to the GHSA Elite Eight round, held in Columbus, Georgia. The Georgia High School Association (GHSA) tournament bracket shows how teams move through prelims, the Sweet 16, and into the final championship rounds.

📍 GHSA State Softball Bracket: View the full Class A Division I bracket here

Trion fans are encouraged to make the trip and fill the stands in Columbus — their support means everything as these young women represent not only their school but the entire Chattooga County community.

Congratulations, Lady Bulldogs — and good luck in Columbus!