Since work has already begun on constructing a new field on campus at Soddy-Daisy High School, the Lady Trojans played Lincoln County in what they expect to be the last Class AAA state sectional for their program at the Soddy Lake Kids’ Park.
Through the years Soddy-Daisy teams played many drama-filled games at ‘the Lake’ with a state-tournament berth on the line. Saturday’s 2-0 victory over the Lady Falcons could rival any of them.
Soddy-Daisy (48-2), ranked No. 9 in the USA Today/NFCA Top 25 and No. 10 in the ESPN Rise FAB 50 national polls, will begin state-tournament play Tuesday or Wednesday in Murfreesboro. Lincoln County finishes 34-11.
“I know we’ve been in extra innings with Riverdale before,” Soddy-Daisy coach Clifford Kirk said when asked of previous nerve-wracking sectionals that came to mind. “At this point, this is a ‘must-win.’ I’m happy with the fact we were able to do what we needed to do to get the job done. These kids deserve it.”
The first hint of drama came in the third inning. Lincoln County threatened to score first when Tanner Sanders singled with two out after Caulyn Pressnell had reached on a bunt single and stole second, but center fielder Millie Putnam threw the speedy leadoff batter out at the plate.