Senior Brooke Parrott has been a key contributor for Central softball, particularly throughout the TSSAA playoffs, and that was the case again in a home sectional. The Lady Purple Pounders' other senior, however, had hoped for a little better postseason fate for herself.
Tatum Morgan's contribution couldn't have been much bigger Thursday night.
Her fourth-inning home run backed Parrott's pitching and lifted Central past Macon County, 1-0, and into the state tournament.
The Lady Pounders' only baserunners against Tigerettes starter Allyson Shoulders before Morgan came to bat with two out in the fourth was Cassidy Simms reaching on a throwing error on a bunt and Jada Taylor's ensuing bunt single with one out in the third.
Morgan got a low offering and hit a high drive to center. Center fielder Paige Clark jumped for it but with her glove above the fence was unable to bring it back.
"I was praying," said Central coach LeeAnne Shurette, whose team improved to 28-9. "At one time Tatum was swinging a hot bat, but she hadn't been lately, and she had gotten down on herself. She had two strikes on her. I knew she wanted to do it. Then she hit it and it sailed over the fence. That center fielder just about robbed it."
Well aware of Parrott's recent exploits - the game marked her seventh consecutive shutout - Morgan said she felt good about her team's chances after she delivered.
"If we can just get one run across," Morgan said, "Brooke will handle the rest."
With five singles and 10 strikeouts, Macon County (34-13) did more against Parrott than most of Central's postseason opponents. But no Tigerettes runner got as far as third base.
"We knew they liked to put it in play," Shurette said. "They're aggressive. They run the bases aggressively. They've got a good ballteam. I'm really proud of the girls for stepping in there and fighting."
Central and Parrott lost by the same score to Livingston Academy in last year's sectional. It was also moved from Friday to a Thursday like this one, with both teams seeking permission from the state organization. Macon County has graduation today and Central has graduation practice.
"It's good to be on the other side," said Morgan, who had two of Central's four hits. "We've had our trials and tribulations, but somehow we pulled together and it all worked."
' GPS 16, Harpeth Hall 0: In a Division II-AA state quarterfinal, the host Bruisers earned a return trip to the state tournament in Murfreesboro by completing a sweep of the best-of-three series.
GPS (20-6) will play Briarcrest (19-13) at Starplex No. 3 at 6:30 p.m. EDT Tuesday.
Baylor (24-3) will play St. Benedict (16-14) at McKnight No. 3 at 11 a.m. Wednesday.
Hannah Kincer was the winning pitcher with a one-hitter in the three-inning game, and she also contributed a grand slam in a six-run first inning. She ended up 2-for-2 with six RBIs and three runs scored.
Ariana Whatley went 2-for-3 with a homer, a double, four RBIs and two runs scored for the Bruisers. Shelby Walters also homered and had three RBIs.
"We had another good pitching performance today from Kincer," GPS coach Susan Crownover said. "It was nice to see the power in the bats today. Hopefully that continues next week."
Macie Stanfield added a 2-for-3 performance - both hits were doubles - drove in two runs and scored three.
Contact Kelley Smiddie at ksmiddie@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6653. Follow him on Twitter @KelleySmiddie.