ARLINGTON, Tennessee — The spring state playoffs are in full swing, and multiple teams from the greater Memphis area are competing. Notably, Arlington High School has two programs in Murfreesboro fighting for state titles.
Two teams at Arlington have excelled this spring. Despite their differences, both are united as they head to Murfreesboro.
“In our substate game, we had the whole baseball team out here supporting us,” said senior shortstop Addie Graham. “I think it’s great that we have the whole community supporting us.”
The Tigers’ baseball and softball teams have supported each other all season. The boys cheered on the girls as they secured the regional title, and the girls showed their support as the boys shipped out to Murfreesboro.
“We really support each other,” said senior catcher Jack Pitts. “We are always at their games; they are always at our games. It is a close bond.”
Both teams dominated their district and are confident with the state title within their grasp.
Arlington baseball won 25 out of their final 26 games to end the season and grab the regional title. Last season, they lost in substate, but head coach Jonathan Moody says this year’s team is driven by strong senior leadership.
“We have a lot of leadership, senior leadership,” Moody said. “We’ve got 10 seniors on this team, guys who have been through the ups and downs. They are resilient, battle-tested, and they understand what they want.”
The softball team’s success is also bolstered by their seniors, including Central Arkansas commit Addie Graham, who has a .700 batting average this season.
Graham and the Tigers went undefeated in district play and won 22 of their last 23 games to end the season. Senior second baseman Avery Wright believes the team’s greatest strength is the strong bonds among its members.
“We have all come together as a team and have become one big click and one big bond,” Wright said. “That really helps us on the field. When you have that relationship off the field, it makes it easier to play on the field.”
These strong bonds are also evident between the two teams as they strive to bring two trophies back to Arlington.
Arlington baseball (31-5) begin their state playoffs run against Bradley Central (28-8) at Oakland High School at 5:50 pm on Tuesday. The Class 4A baseball state championship is Friday May 24 at 7:30 pm at the MTSU baseball stadium.
Arlington softball (31-4) begin their state playoffs run against Nolensville (31-7-2) at McKnight Park. The Class 4A softball state championship is Friday May 24 at 10am, at the MTSU softball stadium.