Staff Reports

ALBERTVILLE – Cedar Bluff fell behind by four runs early, but rallied to take a 10-5 Class 1A East Central Softball Regional victory over Appalachian on Thursday to advance to the winners bracket final.

Mattie Payne posted a pair of hits, scored a run and drove in three for the Lady Tigers. Haley Allen also added two hits, including a double, with three runs and a RBI. Harlie Nelson delivered two hits, two runs and a RBI. Za’Niya Kyle contributed two hits and drove in two runs. Natalie Baty and Ciana Smith both went 2-for-4 with a run. Smith also had a RBI.

Emma Haney had a hit and scored twice. Reece Patterson doubled. Jordan Walker finished with a hit and a walk.

Patterson picked up the win in relief of Walker. Patterson tossed six innings of two-hit ball with six strikeouts.

Cedar Bluff takes on Woodland at 9 a.m. with a berth to the state tournament in Oxford on the line.