CLERMONT, Fla. (WCJB) – Over 14 intense weeks and 25 games, high school softball teams all across Florida vie for the chance to claim the state championship. Branford and Trenton both punched their ticket to the final round and faced off against one another in the ultimate showdown for the 1A state title.

After a back-and-forth battle, Trenton defeated Branford in extra innings 6-5. The Tigers won in an epic comeback to secure the victory.

In the first inning, the Bucs set the tone, Jesse Frierson hit an RBI single to score Cloey Criggall for the first score of the game. Frierson has been on fire; this was her sixth RBI in Clermont.

Freshman pitcher Addison Allaire strikes back with a pair of Ks to close out the inning. She finished the game with 7 strikeouts.

In the third inning, Branford kept the momentum up, Criggall came through, once again, with a leadoff inside-the-park homerun. The Buccaneers extend their lead 2-0.

In the fifth, Branford keeps the momentum up, Frierson continues her hot streak with an RBI double. Maydson Sikes then comes through with an RBI single to get Frierson home. The Bucs lead 4-0.

Trenton looked to respond, but Branford’s pitcher Lalia Arnold remained strong, working her first 1-2-3 inning of the afternoon.

Bottom of the seventh, the Bucs now just nine outs away from their first state title. However, the Tigers having other ideas, Addison Allaire hits a sac fly to bring Addilynn Welbers home.

Trenton’s offense looks to keep the momentum up and Olivia Weaver does just that. She hits a crucial 2-run RBI triple to bring the game within one.

Soon later, EmmaLee Brideson ties up the game with a stellar RBI double. The Tigers prove that the game isn’t over until the final whistle. Trenton with an epic comeback to tie the game at 4-4.

Now in extra innings, Branford looks to answer. Frierson hit another clutch hit. Hunter Revis runs home from second after Trenton made a fielding error. Branford takes the lead once again 5-4.

The Tigers are hungry to win it all, Jessica Johnson hits a short ball, just enough for Aubreigh Brown to get home and tie the game at 5-5. Presley Akins come through with the game winning RBI on a bunt single. Addilynn Welber scores and Trenton wins the 1A state Championship Game.

The Bucs displayed a valiant effort but just came up short. The are runner ups for the second consecutive year.

Trenton wins in comeback fashion 6-5 in a close game.

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