Second-best was still good enough for Tallulah Academy’s softball team.

The Lady Trojans lost twice to Briarfield Academy at the MAIS Class 2A South State tournament on Monday, but also routed Claiborne Academy 14-4 in an elimination game and advanced to the state tournament.

In the win over Claiborne, Tallulah Academy (13-11-1) scored in all five innins. Halley Hopkins went 3-for-4 with two doubles, a triple, and seven RBIs to lead a 13-hit attack.

Eight of Tallulah’s nine batters had a hit, and seven had an RBI. Emily Fortenberry scored four runs, while Kaylyn Ray, Hopkins and Kathleen Ellerbee each scored two.

Tallulah lost its first game to Briarfield, 21-1, and then again in the championship game by a 13-1 score.

Briarfield’s Anna Beth Russell was 2-for-4 with a double, two RBIs and two runs scored in the championship game, and Avery Robian had three hits and three RBIs.

The top four teams from the North and South State tournaments advanced to the Class 2A state tournament scheduled for Oct. 5 and 7 in Magee.

Tallulah’s first game in the state tournament will be Saturday at 11 a.m. against the No. 3 seed from the North.