By Thomas Sellers Jr.
Munford’s Sam Scott throws out a runner at first. 
Munford third baseman Tori Ray guns out a Dickson County runner throwing over her teammate Tara Comer during last week’s State Tournament.
MURFREESBORO — Just before noon on May 22, Munford Lady Cougar Sam Scott hit the shot heard around West Tennessee. Facing Seymour Lady Eagle ace Carly Lewis in the Class 3A State Softball Quarterfinal, Scott took a swing for the Murfreesboro Sports Complex fences. And the ball traveled 50 feet over the 200-foot wall giving the Lady Cougars a 1-0 lead in the first inning. While the Munford parents text the update to those in Tipton County or who were on their way to Murfreesboro, Lady Cougar starter Tara Comer had a feeling she had to make that run stand. “We weren’t hitting very well,” the senior hurler acknowledged. “So we had to make that one hit count.” That would be the only hit for Munford in the contest. But thanks to the drop ball and curve of Comer, the Lady Eagles were limited to one hit as well. And defensive gems by the Lady Cougars led to a 1-0 victory. “I was very proud of myself because it was our first game and it’s my last year to go to State,” Comer said. “I was really proud of my defense. Without them I wouldn’t have stopped them.” The Lady Eagles entered the State Tournament with the most wins (41) and Lewis won most of those decisions. After Lewis recorded the first two outs, it was time for Scott to step into the batter’s box. The freshman’s first time on the big stage was a memorable one, although she might have been the last to know. “I was really happy,” she recalled. “I didn’t think it was going out at first. When it cleared I was just happy. I realized it was a big deal because that girl is a really good pitcher. Any base hits off her are good ones.” Scott said Head Coach Glenn Goulder told the team with Lewis’ reputation, defense and pitching would have to win the game. “I couldn’t be more proud of our defense,” she said. “It’s good to know your defense can back up your pitcher no matter if its a tight ball game or a blow out. It was good just backing up Tara.” With the victory Munford advanced in the winner’s bracket to take on the Dickson County Lady Cougars. Dickson County entered the game with a 33-12 record. “We have to take it one game at a time and be patient,” Scott said. “All these pitchers here are great pitchers so we can’t go just chasing their pitches. We have to do well with what they give us.” Munford had a better hitting performance against the Lady Cougars with five base hits including an Alex Stanford homer that traveled 220 feet. But that blast made the score 4-1 in favor of Dickson County. Dickson County went on to win the game 7-1 to advance in the winner’s bracket.
Munford faced Maryville Thursday morning and the Lady Cougars’ 2013 season came to an end 5-2. Munford compiled a 35-11 record and Region 7-3A championship.
