Cloudland sees first state tournament run come to an end

MURFREESBORO — For as much rain moved through Middle Tennessee during Spring Fling, lightning was unable to strike twice for Cloudland softball. The Lady Highlanders were unable to earn a win in their opening round rematch on Thursday, falling to Copper Basin 10-0 to be eliminated from the Class 1A state tournament. "I couldn't be prouder of this team," Lady Highlanders head coach Matt Birchfield said. "What this team accomplished to get here, get to the state tournament and get a win. Do the things they've done all year. This is a special, special group and a special team. They really are." It was a historic run from Roan Mountain to Murfreesboro for Cloudland (21-13), as the Lady 'Landers made their first-ever state tournament this spring. They also won their first state tournament game on Tuesday against the Lady Cougars. However, Copper Basin (20-9) didn't waste any time in getting revenge. The Lady Cougars struck for three runs in the bottom of the first inning. Madden Beach drove home two on a single and Kloie Ballew hit an RBI single of her own. The rout continued as Copper Basin added on a pair of runs in each of the second and third innings, then one more in the fourth. Cloudland was then able to put together its best threat of the contest in the top of the fifth inning. Regan Blair was intentionally walked with one out, then Savannah McCoury singled and Willow Bennett was intentionally walked with two outs to load the bases. Their threat proved to be an empty one, though, as a fielder's choice ended the frame. Copper Basin answered by continuing its offensive onslaught, posting two more runs in the bottom half of the inning, invoking a run rule. McCoury had both hits for the Lady Highlanders in what was a tough game for their offense. While Thursday's defeat marked the end of the road for Cloudland's six seniors, it's a group that Birchfield won't be forgetting anytime soon. "These seniors are just so special," the softball and girls' basketball coach said. "They've been here with me. A lot of them also play basketball. For about six years now, we've been together through basketball and through softball. They feel like my own daughters. They really do. They're just a very special group. They'll never be forgotten in Roan Mountain and Cloudland as athletes, especially in my heart." Eagleville 10, Cloudland 8 It took an extra inning and an extra day for the winner's bracket battle between Cloudland and Eagleville to be settled. Ellie Nguyen hit a walk-off, two-run homer for the defending state champions to earn an eight-inning win. The contest was a back-and-forth affair on Wednesday night, seeing three separate lead changes from the fifth inning onwards. Reagan Turbyfill hit a two-run single with two outs in the top of the seventh to send the game into extras. It was then suspended with a runner on base and no outs in the top of the eighth. The Lady 'Landers weren't able to cash in once the game resumed.