ALABASTER – The Thompson Warriors hosted the Helena Huskies for a highly-anticipated matchup on the softball diamond on Tuesday, March 10. The defending Class 7A state champions were taking on the defending Class 6A state champions.

The big matchup did not live up to expectations for long, however, as the Warriors cruised to a 15-5 run-rule victory in a contest that was over after the top half of the fifth inning.

The Huskies got off to a quick start, as a single to right field by Carrington Schiefer allowed Lily Sanderson to cross the plate and give the visitors a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning.

The Warriors did not take long to respond and completely take control of the game, as they put nine runs on the board in the bottom of the first inning.

After the sixth run was scored, Helena made a change in the circle, bringing Abby Griffin in to pitch for Hayden Traywick.

The Huskies added two runs in the top of the third inning, but the Warriors had another rally in the bottom of the frame. They added six runs to their tally, and a two-run homer over the wall in center field from Kadyn Bush was the culminating event of the frame.

Helena still had some fight left in it, as Izzy Vice and Macie Brashears each hit home runs of their own in the top of the fourth inning.

Bush, Whitney Holtzapfel and Morgan Adolphus led the Warriors at the plate, each accounting for three RBI.

Tatum Cooper went 3-of-3 for Helena, making her the only member of the Huskies to record multiple hits during the contest.

Bailey Holderfield earned the win for the Warriors in the circle, limiting Helena to three runs off three hits and striking three batters out during 3.1 innings of action. Bush pitched the final inning for the Warriors, only allowing one hit.

Thompson (17-0-1) returns to action on the afternoon of Thursday, March 12, when it hosts Wetumpka at 4:30 p.m.

Helena (7-5) also plays again on the afternoon of Thursday, March 12. The Huskies will take on McAdory on the road at 4:30 p.m.