KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Top-seeded Johnson University scored a run in the top of the ninth inning and kept the University of Pikeville off the scoreboard for a 4-3 win in the 2026 AAC softball tournament at Brickyard Ball Fields.
 
The loss ended UPike's most successful season ever, finishing with a record of 29-15.
 
Trailing 4-3 heading into the bottom of the ninth, the Bears got the tying run on when Maddie Horn drew a one-out walk. Ashlyn Dixon replaced her when she hit into a fielder's choice.
 
She moved into scoring position when Addison Johnson singled up the middle to put two on with two outs. But an infield grounder ended the Bears threat.
 
After falling behind 1-0 in the top of the first, UPike took the lead in the bottom of the second inning. Chloy Creech got it started when she reached on an error and moved to second on a passed ball.
 
A walk to Claudia Maness and an infield single by Horn loaded the bases with one out.
 
Johnson delivered for the Bears with a two-run double down the left field line to give the Bears a 2-1 advantage.
 
The lead was short-lived, however, as Autumn Caywood delivered a two-run single in the third to put the Royals back in front 3-2.
 
It stayed that way until the bottom of the sixth when the Bears mounted a rally that came on a single swing: A leadoff homer to left by Emery to tie the game at 3-3. It was the perfect time for her first career homer.
 
Horn and Johnson had two hits each for the Bears. Kaden Dunlap and Creech added hits.
 
Senior Brianna Johnsen went the distance for the Bears. She threw 135 pitches, striking out six.