Although the Alabama prep baseball postseason is nearing its conclusion, softball playoff action is just beginning to heat up across Baldwin County.

Four county programs — Elberta, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Fairhope — claimed area championships earlier this week to secure spots in next week's South Regionals in Gulf Shores. Winners and runners-up from those tournaments on May 11-14 will advance to the state tournament set for May 18-22 in Oxford.

Orange Beach continued its dominance in 4A Area 1, routing Satsuma twice by a combined score of 31-1 to secure another area title. The Makos remain in pursuit of a sixth straight state championship, which would set an AHSAA record for consecutive titles.

In 5A Area 1, Elberta captured the championship in coach McKenna Gehr's first season at the helm. The Lady Warriors defeated B.C. Rain before knocking off UMS-Wright twice, winning three games in one day to secure the title.

Ava Sanks paced Elberta offensively, going 5-for-8 with two doubles and five RBIs during the tournament. Madison Willis was dominant in the circle, tossing two complete games over 14 innings without allowing an earned run.

Host Gulf Shores claimed the 6A Area 2 championship, its first area softball title since winning 5A Area 1 in 2024. The Dolphins opened with a 20-0 win over McGill-Toolen and followed with a 3-1 victory over Spanish Fort to reach the final. After falling 6-3 to the Toros to force a decisive third game, Gulf Shores responded with an 11-2 win to secure the championship.

Anna Murray led the Dolphins at the plate, batting 8-for-14 with four RBIs and seven runs scored. Madi Nelson earned two wins in the circle, working 10 innings with eight strikeouts and only two earned runs allowed.

Spanish Fort, despite finishing runner-up, secured a regional berth.

Jayla Harris starred for the Lady Toros, batting 6-for-17 with two triples while also pitching 12.2 innings with six strikeouts.

Rounding out the champions in 7A Area 2, Fairhope captured the title for the first time since 2023 at Founders Park. The Lady Pirates defeated Foley before earning two wins over Daphne by a combined score of 24-1.

Addison Russell delivered in the championship game, pitching 6.1 innings with seven strikeouts while allowing just one run. She also provided the final offensive blow with a three-run double in Fairhope's 4-1 win.

Daphne also punched its postseason ticket with the runner-up finish. Braylyn Swann went 6-for-12 with two RBIs and a double to lead the Trojans at the plate, while starter Kylie Stahl threw a complete-game shutout with five strikeouts in the circle during the tournament opening 3-0 victory over Robertsdale.

State tournament brackets will be posted on the official AHSAA website once area tournament play concludes statewide.