Maplesville’s softball team (19-13) earned the right to host its area tournament with a 16-2 victory over area foe Verbena on Tuesday afternoon.

Visiting MHS scored a run in each of the first two innings, but most of the damage was done in the third inning, when nine Red Devils crossed home plate.

Maplesville added one run in the fourth and four in the fifth to seal the victory.

Verbena’s scoring came in the bottom of the fourth inning. Chanin Hancock and Victoria Fletcher led off the inning with a hit each and were driven in on a ground out by Destinee Tyus and a base hit by Ashlie Shiers. Shiers led the way at the plate for the host team with two hits.

Autumn Smith was the winning pitcher, giving up five hits in five innings while striking out three.

Morgan Little and Natalie Arnold each had three hits for MHS, and. Courtney Killingsworth, Courtney Baugh and Kiana Andrews each had two hits.