Plainview won its first state softball championship in 2021 by fighting through the elimination bracket to win the “if-necessary” game.

The Bears needed no such heroics Thursday night

Plainview defeated Opp 14-4 in a game shorted to five innings because of the 10-run mercy rule to win the Class 3A softball championship. The Bears (47-1) steamrolled through the state tournament and earned the Blue Map with four straight victories.

“We were dominant,” senior catcher and tournament MVP Mia Tidmore said.

For the third straight day, the state softball tournament endured weather delays, and officials moved the game from Choccolocco Park in Oxford to Jacksonville State’s Jana McGinnis Field.

The venue change didn’t bother Plainview, even when Opp’s Caroline Courson hit a two-run homer in the top of the first inning. The Bears responded with four runs in the bottom of the inning and scored at least one run in all five innings.

Plainview has now won two of the last three Class 3A softball championships.

“We work so hard,” senior pitcher Lily Boswell said. “This is what we deserve.”

The game fittingly ended on Tidmore’s double, which scored Ali Price from first base with the Bears’ 14th run.

Stat sheet: Graidin Haas had a three-RBI double in the first inning. … Plainview’s Chloe Hatch had two RBIs singles, while Tidmore had two doubles and a single. … Plainview freshman Faith Odom hit a solo homer. … Opp shortstop Amaya Womack had two doubles.

Key play: Womack opened the game with a double, but Tidmore picked her off at second base a few minutes later and instantly gave Plainview confidence and momentum.

Did you know?: Plainview’s only loss this season was to Springville.

Coachspeak: “It’s good to see these girls succeed.” – Plainview coach Jeff Brooks

Looking ahead: Plainview’s roster includes just two seniors, Tidmore and Boswell. That bodes extremely well for the future.