Story Written by Ryan Garnett
Picture taken by Ryan Garnett
Story Published: June 4, 2026 12:15 PM
(Lexington, KY) It's time for the 2026 Softball State Tournament presented by UK HealthCare hosted at John Cropp Stadium on the campus of the University of Kentucky. Our first matchup this morning will feature the champions out of the 9th Region the Highlands Blue Birds verses the champions out of the 13th Region the South Laurel Lady Cardinals.
Highlands comes in with a 33-6 record on the season. South Laurel comes in with a 36-5 record on the season.
Starting on the mound for the Lady Cardinals which is the home team on the scoreboard is Kenzie Williams. Starting on the mound for the Blue Birds is Kaitlyn Dixon.
This game would remain scoreless until the top of the fifth inning when the Blue Birds add 3 runs. A single by Morgan Pompilio scores Bailee Class to make it 1-0 Highlands. Then a sacrifice fly by Cam Markus allows Morgan Pompilio to score to make it 2-0 Highlands. Then a single by Kaitlyn Dixon allows P Brown to score to make it 3-0 Highlands at the end of the fifth inning.
Kaitlyn Dixon had 15 Strikeouts and giving up only one hit.
Your final score Highlands 3 South Laurel 0
Highlands will improve 34-6 record on the season. South Laurel will end there 2026 season with a 36-6 record on the season.
Highlands will advance to Saturday morning quarterfinal matchup against the winner of Apollo verses North Hardin.