Lady Trojans slip past Murfreesboro 1-0

MAGNET COVE - Murfreesboro pitcher Hannah Cox hurled a no-hitter at Parkers Chapel through six innings. But, softball games are seven innings long.

The Lady Trojans put together three hits in the bottom of the seventh, including a walk-off, RBI single by freshman Kaylin Waller in a 1-0 victory in the 2A Regional Tournament.

Parkers Chapel improved to 22-6 and takes on Poyen today at 2:30 p.m. The win earned the Lady Trojans a berth into next week’s state tournament.

“I knew it was going to be a tough game,” said Parkers Chapel coach Justin Welch. “They played some good teams until the very end. I knew they were a good team. We played a great defensive game and did enough to win. This time of the year, that’s what you have to do.”

Courtney Phelps twirled a three-hit shutout for the Lady Trojans. The senior struck out seven and surrendered three walks. Cox only struck out three batters for Murfreesboro but managed to keep PC quiet through six innings.

“Their pitcher kept us off balanced all day,” said Welch. “We hit the ball. It was just right to them. I have to give them credit. They were playing good defense. But, we hit the fairly ball well. It was just straight to them. You’re going to have games like that. That’s softball.”

Phelps led off the bottom of the seventh with a single to left. Savannah Jones followed with a perfectly placed bunt down the third base line, which she beat out for an infield hit. Kenlee McAuliffee worked the pitcher for a walk to load the bases for Waller, who sent a rocket down the leftfield line to drive in Hannah Barbaree, who ran for Phelps.

“Proud to see my freshman step up her game,” said Welch. “Their third baseman didn’t have a chance at the ball.”