The Cornersville United Methodist Church honored the CHS Lady Bulldogs softball team for their third place finish in the 2008 Class A State Tournament by hosting a dinner for the players, parents, and coaches of the squad last Thursday night.

Following the meal, CHS head coach Spencer Mitchell recapped the Lady Bulldogs' magical postseason run and was thankful for financial support that the communities of Cornersville and Lewisburg provided his team during the State Tournament.

"It was amazing how much money was raised in a day and a half after we qualified for the State Tournament," said Mitchell. "It was a humbling experience that so many people came forward to help us when we needed it."

Mitchell and assistant coach Trey Beasley then presented each of the players with a team picture, a framed official TSSAA State Tournament certificate, and a commemorative keychain while Mitchell talked about the contributions each girl made to the program.

The players reciprocated by giving Beasley a plaque thanking him for his efforts as an assistant prior to presenting both coaches with a framed collage of pictures from the State Tournament.

Senior shortstop and team captain Tori Wolaver read a short speech to Mitchell and Beasley expressing the gratitude of the players for the two coaches.

"Not only did you lead us to a District and Region victory, but we accomplished our goal of making it to Murfreesboro and then surpassed it by finishing third in the state," said Wolaver. "You were both extremely influential on making our time in Murfreesboro so unforgettable, and I truly thank you for that. The memories we all made this year together are the highlight of my entire high school career."

Wolaver ended the night with a touching gesture, giving all of her teammates a personal letter of thanks for a memorable senior season that also conveyed her feelings about each member of the squad.