Knoxville Orthopaedic Clinic is the proud sponsor of 5Star Preps spring sports coverage. For over 70 years, KOC has emphasized a unique practice of specialty orthopaedics. Click on the logo above to set an appointment.
BY JESSE SMITHEY
MURFREESBORO — Staying patient at the plate is tough when a spot in a state championship is up for grabs.
Gibbs junior Maddi Whaley found a way to wait.
With the Lady Eagles clinging to a 1-0 lead in the top of the sixth inning in a Class 3A state semifinal against Creek Wood, Whaley ripped a double deep over the centerfielder’s head, driving in two runs.
That extra breathing room helped Gibbs comfortably close out the win, 3-0, in the bottom half of the seventh — and avoid any if-necessary rematch later Thursday night against Creek Wood (28-10).
“I was looking for inside. She kept throwing me inside,” Whaley said. “So I scooted back and was waiting on the inside (pitch).”
Said Gibbs coach Carol Mitchell: “She smoked that ball. Not a better kid. She came up big for us at Tennessee High in the sectionals. That was about as big of a moment, too.”
Lacey Keck paced Gibbs’ offense Thursday with a 2-for-4 day at the place with an RBI.
She also worked from the circle, pitching a complete game with four hits allowed and five strikeouts against one walk.
The win moved Gibbs (30-12) back into the championship game for the first time since 2022 and for the 15th time in Gibbs’ 37 appearances at state. The program has won 10 state titles all-time, the last of which came in 2017.
The Lady Eagles will face either Carter (22-10) at 5:30 p.m. Central time on Friday. Carter beat Gibbs last week in a region championship game.
This game between the two will be held at MTSU. Under this year’s new format, there will be no if-necessary games in the championship round.
“I like it. One game. Be done. Win or lose,” said Mitchell. “I like it.”
CAROL MITCHELL VIDEO INTERVIEW — SEE HERE.
MADDI WHALEY VIDEO INTERIVEW/HIGLIGHTS — SEE HERE.