Murray County’s girls had to hold off a late rally by Franklin County Tuesday night in Chatsworth to secure the program’s first playoff win since 1978, winning 46-43, in what was the team’s first postseason appearance in 22 years.
The Lady Indians (21-6), behind a combined 10 points from Mattie Nuckolls and Kiersten Hixson, shot out to a 16-8 lead after one quarter, but the visitors rallied to twice get within a point in the final period.
Nuckolls, who had a team-high 16 points, hit four free throws late to help thwart the Franklin rally and secure the historic win.
“It’s been a long time,” said Murray first-year coach Chris Tipton. “Some of my kids’ parents probably weren’t alive the last time. It’s such a big deal for our school and community to see how hard these kids are willing to work.
“We let off the gas a bit and they hit a couple of clutch 3-pointers coming out for the third quarter to get them right back in it. This is just a really special night.”