By DREW GRANTHUM/Sports Editor

NORTH SHELBY— The Briarwood Christian Lions jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, taking the AHSAA Class 5A, Area 7 softball championship with a resounding 12-2 win in Game 2 over Homewood May 2.

The Lions dominated in tournament play, winning each of the three games they played by a combined score of 37-3.

In the tournament opener, the Lions faced off with Ramsay High. The Lions took over offensively, taking down the Rams, 16-1. In the second round of the tournament, Briarwood squared off with Homewood. Again, the Lions’ offense took charge, dispatching the Patriots 9-0. In the final game of the tournament, a rematch with Homewood, the Lions mercy ruled the Patriots, taking a 12-2 win.

Coach Suzanne Serrano said she was proud of a complete team effort.

“It was great,” she said. “They all played to their potential. (We’re) just taking it one game at a time.”

In tournament play, several Lions had strong showings at the plate. Ashlyn Boyd went 6-for-10 with seven RBIs and seven runs scored, while Rachel Walz went 5-for-9 with five RBIs and seven runs scored. Marleigh Miller had three RBIs and five runs, while catcher A.V. Seabury had seven RBIs.

Pitching wise, Linley Splawn pitched 11 innings, recording a .105 opponent batting average and surrendering just two runs. Morgan Reed logged four innings, allowing no earned runs.

The Lions move on to the regional tournament, where their opening round opponent has yet to be announced.