Trion High School pitcher Hartley Staton 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.

Staton’s remarkable performance came Friday, October 30, during Trion’s dramatic 12-inning victory over Wheeler County at the South Commons Softball Complex.

The Lady Bulldogs defeated Wheeler County 6-3 in a game that saw Staton throw 204 pitches over 12 innings while striking out 25 batters.

Her performance helped send Trion into Saturday’s state championship game, where the Lady Bulldogs defeated Wheeler County again, this time by a score of 6-2, to capture the first state softball championship in school history.

Staton also contributed offensively during Saturday’s championship game, delivering a key triple that helped Trion take control of the contest.

The Lady Bulldogs entered the state tournament riding a 10-game winning streak and continued their impressive postseason run with a 2-0 shutout victory over Irwin County on Wednesday, October 28.

Trion followed that performance with a 1-0 victory over Emanuel County Institute on Thursday, setting up Friday’s 12-inning showdown with Wheeler County.

After falling to Trion on Friday, Wheeler County battled back through the elimination bracket to earn another opportunity against the Lady Bulldogs in Saturday’s championship game.

But Trion finished the job, winning 6-2 and securing the Class A state title.

Under head coach Trent Stamey, the Lady Bulldogs finished the 2026 season with an outstanding 28-5 record and 15 consecutive victories.

Staton’s 25-strikeout performance was one of the highlights of the state tournament, demonstrating the pitching strength that helped carry Trion through its championship run.

The state championship marks a historic achievement for Trion High School and brings another major athletic accomplishment to the community.

For Staton and her teammates, the championship capped a season that will be remembered for its remarkable winning streak, record-setting performances and the first state softball title in Trion High School history.