Trion High School freshman pitcher Hartley Stanton made history during the Georgia High School Association Class A State Softball Championships in Columbus, recording 25 strikeouts in a single game and surpassing the previous Class A tournament record of 23.

Stanton accomplished the feat Friday, October 30, during Trion’s dramatic 12-inning, 6-3 victory over Wheeler County at the South Commons Softball Complex.

The freshman pitcher threw an incredible 204 pitches during the marathon contest, striking out 25 Wheeler County batters while helping the Lady Bulldogs advance to Saturday’s state championship game.

Her record-breaking performance was part of an extraordinary week in Columbus.

Stanton opened the state tournament Wednesday by throwing a no-hitter against Irwin County, striking out 15 batters in a 2-0 victory. She followed that performance with another shutout Thursday as Trion defeated Emanuel County Institute 1-0.

After Friday’s 12-inning victory over Wheeler County, Stanton returned to the pitcher’s circle Saturday for the championship rematch.

The Lady Bulldogs defeated Wheeler County 6-2, capturing the first state softball championship in Trion High School history.

Stanton contributed offensively as well, delivering a key three-run triple during the championship game that helped Trion take control.

Trion finished the season with a 28-5 record under head coach Trent Stamey, completing its championship run with 15 consecutive victories.

For Stanton, the tournament marked a remarkable conclusion to her freshman season, combining a record-setting strikeout performance with a state championship.

Her performance also earned recognition from softball publication Line Drive Media, which named her its All-Classification Tournament Player.

With three more years of high school eligibility remaining, Hartley Stanton has already established herself as one of Georgia’s standout young softball players while helping bring a historic championship home to Trion.