Softball titles shift: Two teams repeat as Creekview and Sonoraville defend crowns

Two high school softball programs successfully defended their state championships on Saturday at the Columbus Softball Complex, marking a rare dual repeat in the tournament results. Creekview in Class 6A and Sonoraville in Class 3A were the only teams to hold onto their titles from the previous year. The remaining six champions were new winners, with seven of the eight schools completing the tournament without dropping a single game.

In Class 7A, Harrison defeated defending champion Buford 15-0 in the final. The game ended early under the mercy rule after three innings. This victory secured the third state title in Harrison school history, ending a drought that had persisted since 2018. The Hoyas, who finished the season with a 35-2 record, also defeated Lambert, Brookwood, and Northgate on their path to the championship.

Creekview captured its second consecutive Class 6A title by defeating Loganville 5-4. The decision came in the final inning of regulation. This marks the first time Creekview has won a state championship since 2017. The team, which finished with a 29-5 record, also defeated Effingham and South Georgia Tech. Creekview was led by MVP Kaylin Williams.

Sonoraville repeated as the Class 3A champion after a 2-0 victory over Marietta in the final. The team recorded a 30-6 season and won its first three tournament games. Sonoraville was led by MVP Yasmin Kelly. In Class 4A, West Laurens claimed the first state title in school history, defeating North Hall 6-3. The team had not lost a game since March 2002, finishing with a 28-8 record.

Central earned the Class 5A title by beating Harrison 14-0 in the final. The team, which went 31-7, had not lost a game since its first tournament match. Jesse Papp was named the tournament MVP. In Class 2A, Fort Lee defeated Valdosta in the final 5-4. The team reached the final without any unearned runs allowed in the tournament and finished 30-4.

Class A saw Inman Elementary defeat Bullard 6-2 in the final. This was the first state title in the school's history. The team finished 28-5. In the private division, Mount Paran defeated East Christian 17-2 in the final. The team had not lost a game since its first state tournament loss in March 2002, finishing 25-9. Lauren Bell was named the private division MVP.

West Laurens was the only team to win from the loser's bracket. The tournament concluded with 12 games played over three days. The results confirmed that Creekview and Sonoraville were the sole repeat champions among the eight fast-pitch divisions.