WHITWELL, Tenn. — The inexperience, injuries and inconsistencies of the early season are now just a bad memory for a suddenly surging Whitwell softball team.
The Lady Tigers, who returned just four players with any significant playing experience, weathered a string of injuries that left coach Rebecca Castle to comb the halls for healthy bodies nearly a month after the season began and a challenging early schedule that prepared them for the postseason.
Monday evening, finally sending a healthy lineup onto the field, Whitwell blasted visiting Sale Creek 9-3 in a Region 3-1A semifinal matchup.
“Last Thursday was the first time all season where we were able to practice with a whole team healthy,” Castle said. “We struggled the first couple of weeks just to win a game so it feels pretty good to finally be playing like we’re capable of.”
The Lady Tigers (15-13) will host county rival South Pittsburg Wednesday for the region championship, with the winner hosting a sectional on Friday while the loser would travel. South Pittsburg defeated Copper Basin 7-0 Monday.