Lake Travis forces game 3 with strong pitching against SA Johnson

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS (May 30, 2025) Lake Travis kept its season alive with a big 3-1 win over San Antonio Johnson in Game 2 of their UIL Class 6A regional quarterfinal playoff series. The win ties the best-of-three series at 1-1 and forces a Game 3 to decide who moves on.

The star of the game was Lake Travis pitcher Luke Falcon. He was nearly perfect on the mound, throwing a complete game and giving up just one run. Falcon kept the Johnson hitters off balance all night with smart pitches and great control.

Lake Travis got a strong start at the plate, scoring early runs to take the lead. Solid defense and smart base running also helped the Cavaliers stay ahead.

San Antonio Johnson had won Game 1 of the series, 6-4, and hoped to close it out in Game 2. But Lake Travis had other plans, showing toughness and focus in front of their home fans.

Game 3 will now decide which team moves on in the Texas high school baseball playoffs. Both teams have shown they can win, so the final game should be exciting.

For Lake Travis, Falcon’s performance was a key moment in their playoff run. If they bring the same energy to Game 3, they’ll have a great chance to keep their season going.

Lake Creek downs Hallsville 12-1 for state softball title

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vida Loca Photography
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

AUSTIN, TEXAS (May 30, 2025) The Montgomery Lake Creek Lions softball team achieved a remarkable victory, defeating the Hallsville Bobcats 12-1 to win the 2025 UIL Class 5A Division II state championship. This win marks their third state title in four years and concludes a perfect 37-0 season.

The game, held at Red and Charline McCombs Field in Austin, saw the Lions take an early lead with two runs in the first inning. Hallsville managed to score once in the third, but Lake Creek's offense exploded in the fifth inning, adding six runs to their tally. They continued to dominate, scoring additional runs in the sixth and seventh innings. In total, the Lions amassed 14 hits and committed no errors, while Hallsville was limited to just two hits and four errors.

Junior pitcher Sara Wiggins (shown above, holding plaque) delivered an outstanding performance, pitching a complete game with 11 strikeouts and allowing only one run on two hits. Her efforts earned her the Finals MVP title. Wiggins also contributed offensively with a hit and two RBI.

Offensively, the Lions were led by Miranda Orso, Madalyn Davis, and Gracee Brewer, each recording three hits. Orso had two doubles, two RBIs, and scored twice. Davis added a triple, and Brewer contributed with a single and an RBI.

Under the guidance of head coach Candyce Carter, Lake Creek has established itself as a powerhouse in Texas high school softball. Since the program's inception in 2019, the Lions have achieved an impressive overall record of 228-22, including two undefeated seasons. Their combined record during their championship seasons in 2022, 2023, and 2025 stands at a remarkable 122-1.

Calallen Lady Wildcats make history with 3rd straight state title

Photo by
Darla S Tamulitis, La Vida Loca Photography
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

AUSTIN, TEXAS (May 30, 2025) The Calallen Lady Wildcats softball team has achieved something truly special. On Friday, they won their third straight UIL Class 4A Division I state championship by defeating the Andrews Mustangs 9-2 at Red and Charline McCombs Field in Austin. This victory makes Calallen one of only two Texas high school softball teams to win three state titles in a row, joining Coahoma High School.

The game started strong for Calallen. In the second inning, junior Braelyn Bailey hit a two-run single, giving her team a 4-0 lead. Later, in the sixth inning, Bailey hit a grand slam, a home run with the bases loaded, pushing the score to 9-0. She finished the game with six RBI and was named the Most Valuable Player of the championship.

Pitcher Jordyn Thibodeaux also played a key role. She struck out nine batters and allowed only one hit over five innings. Her strong performance kept Andrews from scoring early in the game. Senior Bianca Gonzalez came in to pitch the final two innings.

Four Houston-area teams set for UIL state baseball semifinals

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 28, 2025)Four Houston-area high school baseball teams are one step away from the state championship. Atascocita, Tomball, Kingwood, and are all headed to the UIL Class 6A state semifinals this week.

In Class 6A Division I, Atascocita (30-11-2) will take on Lake Travis (25-10-3) at Blue Bell Park in College Station. Game 1 is Thursday at 6 p.m., Game 2 is Friday at 6 p.m., and Game 3 (if needed) is Saturday at 6 p.m. The winner will move on to face either Prosper or Waco Midway in the state title game on Saturday, June 7, at 4 p.m. in Round Rock.

In Class 6A Division II, Tomball (32-6-1) is matched up with Flower Mound Marcus (30-11). Their series will be played at Georgetown High School, with games Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m. and a possible Game 3 on Saturday at noon.

Kingwood (36-3), one of the top teams in the state, will play Dripping Springs (28-10) in Victoria. Game 1 is Thursday at 7 p.m., Game 2 is Friday at 7 p.m., and Game 3, if needed, is Saturday at 7 p.m.

The winners of the Tomball and Kingwood series will meet in the Division II title game at noon on Saturday, June 7, in Round Rock.

Big games are ahead for these Houston squads as they chase a state title.

Houston Dash battle back to earn 2-2 draw against Bay FC

Photo courtesy of Houston Dash

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 24, 2025)  The Houston Dash ended their two-game homestand with a 2-2 draw against Bay FC on Saturday afternoon at Shell Energy Stadium. It was a back-and-forth game, but the Dash showed heart and finished strong to earn a point.

Houston took the lead in the 33rd minute thanks to a great team play. Midfielder Bárbara Olivieri dribbled past four Bay FC defenders and passed to defender Avery Patterson. Patterson controlled the ball outside the box and scored with a powerful shot to the top corner. It was her second goal of the season.

Bay FC tied the game in the 53rd minute when Penelope Hocking broke past the Dash defense and scored. Just minutes later, a turnover by the Dash led to another Bay goal. Racheal Kundananji found Rachel Hill at the near post to put Bay FC ahead 2-1.

The Dash didn’t give up. In the 88th minute, Olivieri and forward Messiah Bright worked a smooth passing play near midfield. Bright dribbled toward the box and sent a low shot into the far corner for her first goal of the season. Olivieri now has two assists on the year.

The Dash had chances to win the game. In the 91st minute, midfielder Kiki Van Zanten hit the post, and moments later Maggie Graham also hit the woodwork.

Goalkeeper Abby Smith had a solid night, finishing with six saves. She stopped a header in the 35th minute and stayed busy all match.

The Dash now hold a 1-1-1 all-time record against Bay FC. They’ll travel to San Jose for a rematch on August 2.

Up next, the Dash hit the road to face the Orlando Pride on Saturday, June 7. They return home on Friday, June 13 to host San Diego FC.

Colleyville Heritage downs El Paso Americas in close UIL baseball playoff game

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

MIDLAND, TEXAS (May 17, 2025) In a hard-fought playoff game, Colleyville Heritage held off El Paso Americas High School with a 6-5 win in the UIL Class 5A Division I area round of the Texas high school baseball playoffs. 

Americas jumped out to an early 4-1 lead after the second inning. Senior catcher Daniel Quiñones helped the Trail Blazers get started with a strong hit in the first. Junior pitcher Jayden Perales also added a big hit in the second inning.

But Colleyville Heritage fought back. They scored five runs over the next four innings to take a 6-4 lead. Americas added one more run in the sixth inning to make it 6-5, but couldn’t catch up.

Even though they lost, Americas had a great season. They finished with a 30-8 record and won the District 1-6A championship. 

Houston Dash fall to Portland Thorns FC 4-1

Photo courtesy of Houston Dash 

By Robert H Kelly 

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 16, 2025)  The Houston Dash dropped a 4-1 decision to Portland Thorns FC on Friday night at Shell Energy Stadium. This was the first game of a two-game homestand for the Dash.

Portland scored their first goal in the 26th minute and added another just four minutes later. They scored two more goals; one in the 54th minute and one from a penalty kick late in the game.

Houston’s only goal came in the 75th minute. Forward Michelle Alozie forced an own goal after a pass from Barbara Olivieri. Alozie dribbled into the box and her shot deflected off a Portland defender and into the net.

Goalkeeper Abby Smith had a busy night and finished with three saves. She stopped two strong shots early in the match and kept the Dash in the game during the first half.

The Dash had some chances to score. Messiah Bright and Maggie Graham nearly connected on a play in the 21st minute. Delanie Sheehan also had a close shot just before halftime. Newcomer Kiki Van Zanten made her regular season debut in the second half and almost scored in the 82nd minute.

The Dash will finish their homestand next Saturday, May 24, when they take on Bay FC for Kids Day at Shell Energy Stadium.

Houston Dynamo FC drop 2-0 decision to LAFC

Photo credit: Houston Dynamo FC

By Chris Price
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

LOS ANGELES,  CALIFORNIA (May 3, 2025) The Houston Dynamo FC lost 2-0 to Los Angeles FC on Saturday night at MBO Stadium in Los Angeles. This game ended a five-game streak where the Dynamo had not lost to LAFC.

LAFC scored their first goal in the 10th minute. Nathan Ordaz kicked in a loose ball in the box. Their second goal came late in the 79th minute, when Jeremy Ebobisse scored with a strong left-footed shot.

Even though Houston lost, goalkeeper Jonathan Bond had a big night. He made six saves in the first half, tying a team record. He finished with eight saves total.

Captain José Artur de Lima Junior made his 200th regular season start in MLS. It was a special moment for the veteran midfielder.

Defender Franco Escobar got a red card in stoppage time after receiving his second yellow. He will miss the Dynamo’s next MLS match.

Houston had a few chances to score. In the 65th minute, Escobar crossed the ball to Ondřej Lingr, who headed it just wide of the goal.

The Dynamo now turn their focus to the U.S. Open Cup. They’ll face Phoenix Rising FC on Wednesday, May 7, in Arizona. The game kicks off at 9:00 p.m. CT.

Houston Dash fall short after long night of delays

Photo by Jennifer Edwards
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 3, 2025) The Houston Dash came up short on a stormy Friday evening, losing 2-1 to Racing Louisville FC at Shell Energy Stadium on Friday. The game had two long weather delays, including one that lasted nearly two hours.

The Dash started strong and took the lead in the 9th minute. Forward Ryan Gareis passed the ball to defender Avery Patterson, who dribbled into space and scored with a great long shot to the far post. It was her first goal of the season and second goal ever for the Dash.

Louisville answered quickly. In the 20th minute, Kayla Fischer scored from the top of the box to tie the game. They took the lead for good in the 71st minute when Emma Sears got behind the defense and scored.

The Dash had a few chances early. In the 7th minute, Delanie Sheehan sent a cross to Patterson, but her header was saved. Goalkeeper Jane Campbell made a big save in the 29th minute and added two more before halftime to keep the Dash in the game.

In the second half, Yazmeen Ryan won a free kick that gave Houston a scoring chance. Barbara Olivieri got a shot off, but it was stopped. Patterson stayed active, taking four shots on goal and making six defensive recoveries.

Late in the game, the Dash pushed hard for a tying goal. Michelle Alozie forced a save in the 89th minute, and Evelina Duljan had a shot blocked in the final moments. But Louisville’s defense held strong and took all three points.

The Dash split their two-game homestand and now get ready to face Seattle Reign FC on Sunday, May 11 at Lumen Field. They return home to play the Portland Thorns on Friday, May 16.