Hartselle Softball Crushes Athens in Ranked Matchup

No. 1 Tigers score 11 runs late to run-rule No. 6 Athens 17-7

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:14pm

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In a game that featured six lead changes, the top-ranked Hartselle Tigers softball team took control late, scoring 11 runs in the fourth and fifth innings to run-rule No. 6 Athens 17-7 in a matchup of two of Alabama's best Class 6A teams.

Why it matters

This win puts Hartselle in the driver's seat of Class 6A, Area 15, though the Tigers' coach says the team won't view it that way. The game showcased the explosive offensive power of the No. 1 ranked Tigers, who have multiple players capable of hitting multiple home runs this season.

The details

Hartselle blasted three home runs in the game, including two from RC Wolf, who finished with a grand slam and seven RBIs. Katie Norgard added the other home run and had two hits and three RBIs. Abby Lopez led Athens with three hits, including a home run, and four RBIs.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, April 1, 2026.
  • Hartselle was named the No. 1 softball team in Class 6A the week prior to this game.

The players

Anna Hanners

The head coach of the Hartselle Tigers softball team.

RC Wolf

A Hartselle Tigers player who hit two home runs, including a grand slam, and finished with seven RBIs in the game.

Katie Norgard

A Hartselle Tigers player who hit one home run and had two hits and three RBIs in the game.

Abby Lopez

A player for the Athens softball team who had three hits, including a home run, and four RBIs in the game.

Chuck Smith

The head coach of the Athens softball team.

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What they’re saying

“It's exciting because they're a really good team and you have to play your best to beat them. Our team was disciplined at the plate today, and it paid off big time.”

— Anna Hanners, Hartselle Head Coach

“Honestly I was just thinking base hit every time I was up (at the plate). I just wanted to work the count, keep my head down and drive it, and they ended up going over the fence.”

— RC Wolf, Hartselle Player

“This team has something special to it. There's a lot of talent, and we all have been hitting the ball well. That's all that matters at the end of the day, but I will say I think I have a good chance' to hit the most home runs.”

— RC Wolf, Hartselle Player

“We can't decide when we play a great team like Hartselle that our focus is going to be higher. We have to attack every game the same no matter if we're playing Hartselle, Saraland in the state championship or a rec-league team.”

— Chuck Smith, Athens Head Coach

What’s next

Hartselle will look to continue its strong start to the season as it remains in the driver's seat of Class 6A, Area 15. Athens will look to rebound from the loss and refocus its approach for the remainder of the season.

The takeaway

Hartselle's explosive offense, led by multiple players capable of hitting home runs, proved too much for Athens in this ranked matchup. The win puts the Tigers in control of their area, though they won't view it that way, as they look to maintain their focus and continue their strong start to the season.