MONTGOMERY — Elkmont and Athens Bible School advanced to the second round of the state softball tournament at Lagoon Park Thursday in rain-shortened games.

“We were just able to get it in and advanced to play West Blocton Friday at 1 p.m. Hopefully, we will be able to play on schedule,” said Elkmont coach Mary Jane Hobbs.

Elkmont beat Straughn (38-12) 7-0 behind the pitching of Sarah Solomon and ABS defeated Parrish 7-1.

Elkmont was declared the winner in the sixth inning and ABS was playing into the seventh inning when the games were called due to rain. All other games scheduled Thursday were washed out.

Elkmont and ABS were two of the first games played in the tournament. They were playing at the same time on adjacent fields.

Courtney Phillips hit two singles to lead Elkmont. Ashley Robertson singled and drove in two runs.

Elkmont jumped out front 4-0 in the top of the first inning. That is the way it stood in the fourth inning when the first rain delay came. The Lady Red Devils were able to push across three more runs to make the game official when play resumed 45 minutes later.

Elkmont improves to 27-13 on the season.

Abbie Melvin went the distance on the mound for the Lady Trojans.

Emily Irwin and Christina Ivey had the big bats for ABS with two extra base hits each that drove in four runs.

ABS advances to meet Hubbertville today at 1 p.m. If the Lady Trojans win today, they advance to Saturday with a noon game. A loss, though, and they will have to play Saturday at 9 a.m.

ABS, which is a familiar team at the state championships, improved to 28-5 on the season.

The tournament is double elimination and is for all six state high school classifications.