Plumlee’s clutch pitching, homer lifts defending Class 1A champ Tigerettes to state tournament berth

By Shea Haile Courier Sports

SOUTH CARTHAGE — The defending Class 1A  softball champion Gordonsville Tigerettes kept their title defense hopes alive as the unit secured a spot in the Class 1A Tournament with a narrow 1-0 sectional round victory over South Pittsburg last Saturday night.

Big Blue, in front of their home crowd at Crump Paris Park,  improved to 29-5 and secured a trip to their third straight Class 1A Tournament as the squad remained perfect in the postseason with a 6-0 record. Their 2024 run to Murfreesboro marks the fifth state tourney appearance for the program. GHS softball is eying its third state title. 

Gordonsville begins play Tuesday in the state tournament against Halls at Murfreesboro StarPlex. First pitch is slated for 2:00.  The Lady Tigers hail from West Tennessee’s Lauderdale County on the Tennessee – Arkansas state line — along the Mississippi River. 

Scores available on Carthage Courier social media and website for the state tournament. 

The Tigerettes and Lady Pirates clash featured a pitchers duel as Kailey Plumlee was one hit shy of recording a perfect game for Big Blue. Plumlee posted 19 strikeouts while not issuing a walk. The Tigerettes defense was solid behind the University of Tennessee commit with no errors.

Plumlee was responsible for the eventual game-winning run — launching a solo, third inning homer to center field. 

“Her home run offensively and she turns around defensively — allows one hit along with 19 strikeouts, Kailey is just a beast in the circle,” said Gordonsville head softball coach Jonathan Bush,”  “Our girls feed off her. She is a huge player for us.”

COURIER SPORTS