HISTORY MADE: Lady Royals Capture First-Ever AAC Conference Tournament Championship

KINGSPORT, TN— In a moment that will be remembered for years to come, the Johnson University Lady Royals softball team made history Friday afternoon, capturing the program's—and the university's—first-ever Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament Championship. After falling 3-2 to Brenau University in the opening game of the championship series, the Lady Royals responded with resounding authority, run-ruling the Golden Tigers 10-2 in five innings in the "if necessary" final to claim the crown.

The win caps off a remarkable postseason run for a Johnson program still in just its sixth year of existence and fourth year competing in the NAIA. With the title, the Lady Royals secure not only a spot in the record books, but also an automatic bid to the NAIA National Tournament.

Game 1: Brenau 3, Johnson 2

The Lady Royals entered Friday needing just one win to secure the championship but were edged out in a tightly contested opener. Brenau struck for two runs in the third and added another in the sixth, holding off a late Johnson push. Megan Armstrong and Ella Hampton each recorded an RBI, while Reese Burns stole two bases to keep the pressure on the Golden Tigers. Alyssa Nicely went the distance in the circle, allowing eight hits and three earned runs with three strikeouts.

Game 2: Johnson 10, Brenau 2 (5 Innings)

With everything on the line, Johnson unleashed a championship-caliber performance in the decisive finale.

The Lady Royals struck early with two runs in the first inning and never looked back, scoring in four of the game's five frames. Offensively, Audrey Moorhouse had a perfect day at the plate, going 4-for-4 with two runs scored and two stolen bases. Megan Armstrong delivered in a big way with three hits, including two doubles, and three RBIs. Madisyn Thacker-Wolfe added three more RBIs of her own, while Sloane Baldridge and Aly Dickerson each drove in a run to round out the offensive explosion.

Lindy Webber was dominant in the circle, tossing a complete-game five-inning effort, allowing just six hits and two earned runs on only 48 pitches. It was her 18th win of the season and perhaps her most significant as a Royal.

Coach Carter Reflects on a Championship Milestone

Following the game, an emotional head coach Dayna Carter struggled to find the words to describe the moment:

"I can't even put it into words. It feels surreal and numb… I've cried, but I don't think it's even hit me yet."

Carter emphasized the significance of the victory—not just for the players on the field, but for the entire Johnson community:

"It's huge for our program. We're just team number six here. To be able to do this in year four of NAIA competition—it took a lot of buy-in. But this team, they genuinely love and support each other. That's why it worked."

When asked about the team's spirit heading into the national tournament, Carter shared:

"It's a huge confidence booster. We dealt with injuries at the end of the regular season, but we got healthy, and the energy has been incredible. We're so excited to take this to the next step."

A Championship Beyond the Scoreboard

This championship victory signifies a turning point—not just for softball, but for the entire Johnson University athletic department. It represents the progress of a young program that dared to dream big and now stands as a conference champion. The Lady Royals' relentless heart, chemistry, and belief in one another have now brought home a title that will inspire future Royals for years to come.

Next Up: The Lady Royals will await their NAIA National Tournament seeding and location, marking their debut on the national stage. Updates will be posted on johnsonroyals.com and the Royals' official social media channels.