While Sale Creek's softball program will not come close to its 36-win mark of a season ago, those remaining from the 2018 Class A state runners-up feel this could be the year they accomplish a first in school history.
"I think these girls are very capable of going to Murfreesboro in a couple of weeks and winning the whole thing," said veteran coach Clifford Kirk, who has a collection of state titles from his previous schools. "This group only graduated one last year and is peaking right now. They have played a lot of ball and don't get upset too much."
Taking a challenge to heart this season, Sale Creek senior Hannah Hall is one of many coming on at the right time.
Former leadoff batter Hall's switch to the five spot in the lineup has worked wonders. She smacked three hits to help the Lady Panthers win their second straight District 4-A championship with an 8-0 shutout of Tellico Plains at home Monday night.
Hall jump-started a thunderous fifth inning at the plate as she tripled to the right-center gap and was immediately followed by senior Kristen Sharp's double and a two-run shot over the left-center fence by sophomore Allison Smith.
"We moved Hannah to the fifth spot, and she has really come to life in that spot and thrived," Kirk said. "She has five hits over the last two games. Once our girls start stringing big hits together, it becomes an epidemic."
The return to full health of junior pitcher Macie Stanfield looks to pay major dividends along with a defense that hasn't committed an error the past three games.
Stanfield threw 5 2/3 innings of scoreless relief in which her heater was lively. The right-hander struck out six and also had a run-saving grab made at first base by Madeline Gentry on a scorching liner in the top of the third.
With a reliable ace in Madison Stott to go along with Stanfield, the Lady Panthers (21-8) look to have a strong boost inside the circle as they hope to bring their school its first state championship in any sport.
The Lady Panthers scored four of their eight runs by beating out plays at the plate, while they finished with 13 hits and also stole four bases against Tellico Plains.
Stott reached in all four plate appearances from the leadoff spot and had three hits. Smith got the offense rolling in a two-run second to begin the rout and homered later.
"We have really been hitting the ball well lately and executing the important phases of the game," Hall said. "We have come together and are healthy and ready to create history. We want to win state this year and will do whatever we have to do to get it."
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com.