Providence becomes first Mecklenburg softball champ in 18 years, beats Corinth

GREENSBORO, N.C. — We before me.

That is the mantra that’s carried the Providence Panthers to a historic softball season.

After being shut out in game two, the Panthers stormed back from an early deficit in game three to prevail, 6-2, and claim the 8A state championship on Thursday.

It’s Providence softball’s first state title in school history, and it's the first Mecklenburg County softball team to win a state title since Butler three-peated from 2006-2008. The Panthers broke the NCHSAA single-season record for home runs in a season with 59, and that came in handy during the title decider.

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In game one, it took Corinth Holders until the final inning to break through against Providence pitcher Sophie Strugar. It didn’t take as long for the Pirates to get going in game three.

A lead-off walk by Ava Marks and an infield single by Lauren Sizemore got the Pirates off to a good start. Then, freshman Fiona Stephenson got the eastern regional champions on the board with an RBI infield single of her own.

Ava West, the game one starter for Corinth Holders, pitched a clean opening frame to set the tone early. Strugar shook off the tough start and worked around another hit from Memphis commit Ava Marks.

Marks broke the NCHSAA single-season hits record in game two with her 70th hit of the year, and she added to that tally in the decider. She’d finish her season with 75 of those.

• View Photos: Corinth Holders vs. Providence, Game 3 (May 28, 2026). HSOT Insiders can download championship photos for free. Here's how.

West worked around a base hit by Casey Tomljanovic in the bottom of the second to keep her team in front. After Providence responded with a quick inning, Emelia Zeng led off the bottom of the third with a single.

Following a sacrifice bunt, center fielder Phoenix Scott tied the game with a run-scoring single down the third base line. Then, after a bunt single by Ella Lamprey, Olivia Wakem notched another base hit to center.

However, Scott and Lamprey were picked off in the base paths, leading to Gracie Siron tagging them out. West responded with a strikeout to keep the game tied.

In the top of the fifth, Marks continued her torrid series with another base hit. Then, Lauren Sizemore ripped an RBI double to right field to put Corinth Holders back in front.

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The Pirates' defense responded in a big way with a 1-2-3 inning highlighted by a nice diving stop at second base by Morgan Reason.

After the Panthers came back with another quick inning defensively, one swing of the bat changed the complexion of this series.

Sophomore Camryn O’Connor, who earned series MVP honors, launched a two-run homer over the left field fence to give the Panthers the lead back in the bottom of the sixth. Two passed balls, a bunt single, and an intentional walk loaded the bases for the western regional champions.

They’d take advantage after a third passed ball scored Zoe Thurston from third to double the Providence lead. Riley Wiscarver would then get across after a wild pitch to push their lead to three.

Lamprey grounded into an RBI fielder's choice for more insurance. There was only one thing left to do for the Panthers: finish the series with defense.

Strugar, who pitched well in both the game she started, closed it out with a 1-2-3 top of the seventh to set off the celebrations.

After winning 20 straight games and an eastern regional title, Corinth Holders finishes its season 26-3 overall. With history made, the Providence Panthers complete 2026 with a record of 30-3.

Box Score

• MOP: Ava Marks (Corinth Holders)
• MVP: Camryn O’Connor (Providence)

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