By WESLEY HALLMAN / Sports Editor

The Chelsea High School softball team defeated Shelby County 8-2 in the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 5A, Area 7 tournament championship game May 6.

The Hornets clinched the victory with four runs in the fourth inning.

Alex Osborn led Chelsea at the plate as she finished 3-for-4 with two doubles. Osborn drove in three runs and scored two runs in the victory.

Morgan Pence, who drove in two runs and scored one run, finished 3-for-3 at the plate with a double.

Pence earned the win in the circle after allowing two earned runs on five hits with five strikeouts and two walks in 5 2/3 innings. Caitlin Bice allowed just one walk in 1 1/3 hitless innings in relief.

Sesslyn Harrison led Shelby County as she finished 2-for-3 at the plate. Courtney Shields went 1-for-2 at the plate and scored one run.

Jecca Carden took the loss in the circle after giving up six earned runs on 11 hits with two strikeouts and four walks in 5 2/3 innings.