Verbena’s softball team was knocked out of the Class 1A South Central Regional Tournament on Thursday in Troy.

The Red Devils won a close game, 13-9, against Victory Christian, but then fell to Billingsley (18-0) and Wadley (10-8).

The tournament was double-elimination format, with the top two out of eight teams advancing to the state tournament.

Against Victory Christian, the Devils jumped on the ball quick in the second inning, securing a 3-1 lead over their competitors.

Verbena kicked off the third inning with three hits to load the bases, followed by an inside-the-park grand slam by Adrianna Pike to extend the Devils’ lead to 6-1.

Victory Christian fought back, scoring seven runs in the fourth inning, to take an 8-6 lead.

After a few unproductive innings for the VHS bats, Verbena finally broke through their opponents’ defense in the seventh inning, scoring seven runs to get the win.

Candice Williams earned the win on the mound for the Devils.

“We had kind of an off season leading up to now,” Williams said. “It feels like everything is coming together for us now.”

Coach Ricky Atchison also said he was excited about the team’s improvement.

“We’ve gotten better and better,” Atchison said. “I’m proud to see our hard work paying off. Hopefully we can keep improving.”

Rebels fall in first two games

Thorsby was also eliminated Thursday, from the Class 2A North Central Regional being held in Tuscaloosa.

The Rebels fell first to Sumiton Christian (10-0) and then to Ranburne (7-3).