The Hartselle 8U softball All-Stars battled through the loser’s bracket to finish 5th in the All-American Youth Sports Gold Division state championship this past weekend in Prattville.

The 8U Lady Tigers opened up pool play with an 11-3 win over Marbury. They fell 14-4 to Semmes Blue in the second pool play game.

Hartselle opened up bracket play with a 16-4 win over Wal-Win. In the second round of the winner’s bracket, they fell to Tallassee 11-8.

The Lady Tigers defeated Helena 16-2 in the first round of the loser’s bracket. They kept their championship hopes alive with an 18-7 win over McCalla. They opened up Saturday morning with a 15-4 win over Prattville. With no break, they defeated Hueytown 13-7 to stay alive. The win set up a rematch from the area tournament with Blount Co. #1. The Lady Tigers battled hard but ultimately fell 8-6.

The players include Kylee Thigpen, Piper Putman, Anna Kay Crowe, Lyla Long, Kate Bolding, Mia Wilhite, Chandler Hulse, Realynn McCreless, Harlow Steele, Kiara Campbell, Bristol Frizzell and Oakley McCormick.

The coaches are Anna Holland, Michael Putman, Cody McCormick and Josh McCreless.