JACKSON — Tournament MVP Kenzie Williams homered and drove in three runs while Aubrie Messer collected four hits as South Laurel rolled past Corbin, 10-0, in five innings to capture the 13th Region Fastpitch Tournament championship at Jackson County.
The title marked the eighth regional championship in program history for the Lady Cardinals and their second in the past four seasons. South Laurel also matched a program-best with its 36th victory of the season, improving to 36-5 overall. The only other 36-win season in program history came in 2004.
“We got off to a great start offensively by scoring three runs in the first and four in the second that really allowed us to settle down and play with a lead,” South Laurel coach Carly Mink said. “We had another fantastic pitching performance from Kenzie tonight, giving up no runs. Our defense was really good behind her also.
“As a staff, it’s awesome to watch these kids accomplish something so special,” she added. “From day one, they came in willing to put the work in to get to this point. This team has never been about individual effort, but rather just one team with the same mind set of just getting better each day and winning games. Super proud of our team and it’s a great night to be a Cardinal.”
South Laurel wasted little time taking control, scoring three runs in the first inning before erupting for four more in the second to build a commanding 7-0 advantage.
Williams led the Lady Cardinals at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBI. Messer was nearly perfect at the plate, finishing 4-for-4 with a double and three RBI. Bailey Frazier added two hits, scored three runs and tripled while Ryleigh Bretz crossed the plate three times and drew three walks.
Morgan Jackson, Lexi Messer and Emmie Rice each added hits for the Lady Cardinals, who pounded out 13 hits in the championship victory.
Williams was equally dominant in the pitcher’s circle, tossing a three-hit shutout while striking out seven over five innings. She didn’t allow a walk in the complete-game effort.
Corbin managed just three hits in the loss. Chloe Bays, Sawyer Stamper and Parker Davis accounted for the Lady Redhounds’ hits as Corbin finished the season with a 16-20 record.
South Laurel’s latest regional championship adds to titles won in 1996, 2004, and 2005 while competing in the 12th Region, along with 13th Region championships in 2006, 2013, 2014, 2023 and now 2026.
Williams, Emmie Rice, Aubrey Messer, and Bailey Frazier were named to the All-Tournament team.
