Sale Creek advances to state tournament behind Macie Stanfield's no-hitter, loaded offense

Sale Creek pitcher Macie Stanfield (1) and her teammates cheer after defeating Cosby 10-0 in five innings in a Class A state softball sectional on Friday. Stanfield threw a no-hitter.
Sale Creek pitcher Macie Stanfield (1) and her teammates cheer after defeating Cosby 10-0 in five innings in a Class A state softball sectional on Friday. Stanfield threw a no-hitter.

Sale Creek broke in its newly dedicated Clifford and Ruth Kirk Field in a grand way by blasting into the Class A softball state tournament.

Senior Lady Panthers ace Macie Stanfield was surprised after leading a five-inning 10-0 sectional victory over Cosby on Friday.

Stanfield did not know of her rare gem until her legendary coach, Clifford Kirk, told the whole team in the left-field grass she had tossed a no-hitter.

Selflessness and leadership look to be two major forces for a talented squad that stands four wins away from the final championship plaque.

"Our seniors play a big part in leading this team. It's not just me," Stanfield said after improving to 11-1 overall with a 1.82 earned run average. "We all love playing for Coach. He has really built a legacy. He pushed us to be better every day and stay focused."

First-year starter Allison Smith helped spark a big day for the offense. Wearing out the opposite field, Smith had a pair of two-run hits to right. The sophomore left fielder has provided clutch hitting throughout the season in the sixth spot.

"We have worked extremely hard this year," said Smith, who went 3-for-3 with a double. "We lost one senior last year, which is the spot I took over. We are all together because this is the last ride for our strong senior class. I feel like we have all the pieces this year."

Jumping into a tournament full of stout teams at the Starplex complex in Murfreesboro for the week to come, the Lady Panthers (28-8) know the challenge ahead.

They lost 7-5 to Summertown in the Class A state championship game last season.

"I don't know, I have never been to the state tournament before," said a kidding Kirk, who has won 10 state softball championships in his career. "It's not the same level of play we have been seeing, and the kids know that. But this is a very good group that I feel can compete at the top with any."

Shelby Sullivan jump-started the Sale Creek offense in a five-run second with a scorching double to the right-field gap. Hannah Hall also was a sparkplug hitting right behind Sullivan, as she had a pair of hits and scored three times.

Madeline Gentry had two hits and drove in two runs along with Kristen Sharp.

The Lady Panthers cranked out a dozen hits and four doubles. They strung together even more runs with aggressive baserunning against the Lady Eagles (15-10).

With a pair of trustworthy aces in Stanfield and district player of the year Madison Stott, who also had an RBI double, high hopes will abound for a group hoping to win their school's first state title.

Kirk expressed gratitude for his wife's help and continued loving support.

"It was a total surprise to my wife and I," he said of the field's dedication before the game. "I am glad they put her name on it, too, because she has gone through it all with me. We have been married for nearly 60 years. It's truly an honor."

Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @PMacCoon.

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