All three area teams that began play in the North Regional softball tournament are still alive as the tournament reaches its second day.

Ardmore is just one win away from a Class 5A regional championship while Athens and Athens Bible kept their seasons alive for one more day with wins Friday night after falling into the loser’s bracket earlier in the day.

After defeating Douglas 8-0 in its tournament opener Thursday morning, Ardmore crushed Lawrence County 16-1 in its second game, and will play Alexandria at 10:30 a.m. today for the regional tournament title.

Athens High won its first game of the day 8-5 over Fort Payne, but fell into the loser’s bracket of the 6A tournament with an 11-5 loss to Austin. However, the Golden Eagles defeated Albertville 4-0 late Friday night to stay alive.

Athens will play Hazel Green at 10:30 a.m. today in an elimination game. A win would put the Golden Eagles in the loser’s bracket final, and one win away from advancing to the state tournament, as the top two teams in the regional will advance.

Athens Bible got its Class 1A tournament off to a bad start with an 8-2 loss to Tharptown Thursday afternoon. But the Trojans recovered to defeat Gaylesville 10-9 and stay alive in the tournament.

ABS will play Covenant Christian at 9 a.m. in an elimination game.

Two more area teams begin their North Regional tournament today. Elkmont begins play in the Class 3A tournament at noon with a game against New Hope.

West Limestone is the final area team to play, as the Wildcats’ first game in the Class 4A tournament is at 3 p.m. against North Jackson.

The tournament is taking place at the Huntsville Sportsplex.