Melissa softball downs Lake Belton in UIL state semifinal

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography        Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

AUSTIN, TEXAS (May 31, 2024) The Melissa Cardinals (shown above) added another impressive win to their record on Friday as they defeated Lake Belton 4-0 in the Class 5A state semifinal, played at the University of Texas' Red & Charline McCombs Field.

Caigan CrabtreeCaigan Crabtree, a standout player whom has committed to Texas, had a fantastic game. She went 3-for-3 at the plate, hitting RBI doubles in the first and third innings. She also made a spectacular leaping catch at shortstop in the fourth inning. Thanks to Crabtree’s stellar performance, Melissa secured their spot in the state title game, which will take place on Saturday at 1 p.m. against Harlingen SouthHarlingen South.

Melissa is hoping to become the first Dallas-area team to win a UIL softball state title since Forney did in 2018. Freshman second baseman Amariee Bradford hit her seventh home run of the season in the bottom of the sixth inning, giving Melissa a state-record total of 90 home runs for the season. This total ranks them second in national history, with only Stonewall North Desoto from Louisiana having hit more, with 105 homers in 2022.

Melissa’s team features three of the most prolific sluggers in state history. Freshman Hutton Adrian has hit 22 home runs, breaking the Dallas-area single-season record. Sophomore Kennedy Bradley has 20 homers, and junior Caigan Crabtree has 19. Together, these three players have combined for 186 hits, 116 extra-base hits, and 180 RBIs in 39 games this season.

The game started an hour late due to bad weather, but Melissa wasn’t fazed. Bradley singled in the first inning, and Crabtree followed with an RBI double to put Melissa on the board. In the third inning, Bradley singled again, and Crabtree hit another RBI double. Bradford added a sacrifice fly, scoring Crabtree and giving Melissa a 3-0 lead.

Bradley, who transferred to Melissa from Prosper Rock Hill, had shoulder surgery last year and couldn’t swing a bat for six months. But she showed her strength by going 2-for-3 in the game. Melissa’s pitcher, Alex Starr, a Michigan State pledge, pitched a three-hit shutout, stranding six runners and improving her record to 28-1.

Lake Belton, who had averaged 6.8 runs per game in the playoffs, couldn’t score against Starr. Despite winning 35 of their last 36 games, Lake Belton couldn’t overcome Melissa’s strong defense and pitching.