SHAWN DIGIANFELICE 

Sports Writer

The quest is complete.

And for the first time in the 100-year history of Community High School, a state championship trophy is headed home.

On a historic Saturday afternoon at Shelbyville Central High School, the Community Viqueens delivered a championship performance worthy of the moment, rolling past Marion County 10-1 to capture the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association Class AA State Championship and secure the first state title in school history.

After Marion County grabbed an early 1-0 lead in the opening inning, Community answered immediately — and never looked back.

The Viqueens erupted for six runs in the second inning to seize complete control of the championship game. Community added another run in the third before putting the game away with three more in the sixth to cap a dominant afternoon.

Community finished with 12 hits and received production throughout the lineup in one of its most complete performances of the season. Haylee Webb led the offensive attack, going 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs. Gracie Daniel added two hits, including a double, while driving in two runs and scoring twice. Anna Haskins collected two hits, scored twice and added an RBI, while Alana Tate also finished with two hits and a run scored.

Kailani Allen delivered one of the biggest swings of the afternoon with a home run and RBI, while Mattie Maxey added an RBI hit. Annie Prince also contributed offensively as the Viqueens continued to apply pressure throughout the game.

Community head coach Cam Farrell said the Viqueens’ offensive success came from contributions throughout the lineup.

“It’s hard to mention just one kid that came through in the clutch offensively, but Gracie had some big-time swings, and Haylee hit over .500 this week and got big hits with runners on,” Farrell said. “We were able to get bunts down and utilize our speed, which resulted in throwing errors by our opponents and led to scoring runs like it did in our six-run inning today. I can’t emphasize how much it was a total team effort.”

Prince once again dominated in the circle on the biggest stage. The senior right-hander tossed a complete game, allowing just one run on five hits while striking out 15 batters to cap a remarkable state tournament run.

“Annie had a bunch of strikeouts (54 in 28 innings), and when she got in tough situations, she was able to dig in and work her way out every time,” Farrell said. Farrell also credited the Viqueens’ defense and composure throughout the week.

“Our defense was amazing all week (1 error in 28 innings), and we got production up and down our lineup (.290 team average in four games),” Farrell said. “We got the clutch hits in key situations during the tournament that give you the opportunity to win championships.”

Farrell said seeing the team’s hard work finally pay off made the championship even more meaningful. “This group works day in and day out, and it’s really satisfying to see all of that hard work pay off,” Farrell said. Farrell added the team’s resilience helped define the Viqueens’ championship run. “We talk about as a team that we will make mistakes, but it’s how you respond to the mistakes you made and how you recover,” Farrell said. “They stayed locked in and answered the bell every time we got in a bind.”

With the final out secured and a sea of purple and gold rushing across the field, years of hard work, heartbreak and belief finally turned into history for the Viqueens.

Community closed the season with a 36-9 record, a regular season district championship, Region 5-AA championship and now the ultimate prize — the first state championship in school history.

From dominant pitching and timely hitting to relentless defense and unwavering composure, the Viqueens proved throughout the postseason they were more than capable of competing with anyone in the state.

Now, they’ll forever be remembered as the team that brought a state championship home to Unionville.