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.

Harlingen South punches ticket to UIL 5A state softball championship game

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

GEORGETOW, TEXAS (May 31, 2024)  For the first time in school history, the Harlingen South Lady Hawks have advanced to the 5A UIL State Championship title game in softball. 

The Lady Hawks competed against the Aledo Ladycats at East View High School in Georgetown. The game was thrilling and intense, with the Lady Hawks winning by a narrow margin of 1-0. This victory was particularly impressive given the tough competition they faced.

The playoffs were originally supposed to be held at Red & Charline McCombs Field in Austin. However, due to bad weather, the location was changed to East View High School. Despite this change, the Lady Hawks stayed focused and played their best game.

Now, the Lady Hawks are gearing up for their next big challenge. They will compete against the Melissa Cardinals in the championship round. The Melissa Cardinals earned their spot in the championship by defeating Lake Belton with a score of 4-0 on Friday morning.

The state championship game is set to take place at Red & Charline McCombs Field in Austin. The first pitch will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 1. 

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.

TSWA announces Class 6A All-State Softball Team

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved

LONGVIEW, TEXAS (July 1, 2017) The Texas Sports Writers Association (TSWA) has announced their Class 6A All-State Softball Team for the 2017 season. Voting was conducted by TSWA members based on nominations from coaches and media members from around the state. Teams selectced include first team, second team, third team, and honorable mention.

Coach of the Year: Bryan Poehler, Keller

Player of the Year: Kasey Simpson, Keller

FIRST TEAM

Pitchers: Dylann Kaderka, Keller; Makinzy Herzog, Fort Bend Ridge Point; Brooke Vestal, New Braunfels Canyon

Catcher: Bethany Edwards, Belton

First base: Isabella Dayton, Wylie

Second base: Camryn Woodall, Keller

Third base: Trinity Cannon, Rockwall-Heath

Shortstop: Kasey Simpson, Keller

Outfield: Amanda Desario, Keller; Rehin Trochim, Waco Midway; McKayla Chamberlain, Deer Park

SECOND TEAM

Pitchers: Clarissa Hernandez, Northside Brennan; Alexandra McLennan, Austin Bowie; Maddie Nelson, Deer Park

Catcher: Kelcy leach, The Woodlands

First base: Morgan Smith, Brazoswood

Second base: Sara Vanderford, Deer Park

Third base: Caitlyn Curlee, Keller Timber Creek

Shortstop: Aralee Bogar, Byron Nelson

Outfield: Alayis Seneca, The Woodlands; Payton Jackson, Ford Bend Ridge Point; Kaylee Buck, Pearland

DP/Utility: Marisa Arriaga, Cedar Hill

THIRD TEAM

Pitchers: Erin Edmoundson, Deer Park; Madison Lindsey, Humble Kingwood; Rachel Hertenberger, Alvin

Catcher: Kayla Keeling, Houston Memorial

First base: Sierra Schottler, Northside Brennan

Second base: Nikki Gil, Austin Bowie

Third base: Madi Traver, Coppell

Shortstop: Mady Lohman, Timber Creek

Outfield: Maleah Olvera, Deer Park; Avery Drake, Belton; Hanna Jones, Keller

DP/Utility: Olivia Lantigua, San Marcos

HONORABLE MENTION

Pitchers: Emily Langkamp, The Woodlands; Jaqueline Longoria, Edinburg North; Christa Radke, Lufkin; Kennedy Cameron, Longview; Adrianna Chavarria, Pearland; Cami Duffey, Rockwall-Heath; Madison Cotton, Belton; Saleen Donohoe, Duncanville; Taylor Tubbs, Belton; Hannah Garcia, Pasadena Memorial; Marisa Cruz, San Angelo Central

Catchers: Ash Wade, Deer Park; Anna Vest, Brazoswood; Hannah Thompson, Dickinson; Kerris Cameron, Longview; Alexis Perry, Wylie; Hannah Scheaffer, Cypress Fairbanks; Sophie Wideman, Waco Midway; Kindell Brooks, San Antonio MacArthur; Caitlin Garcia, Spring; Hope Rodriguez, Edinburg North.

First base: Emily Clark, Rockwall-Heath; Caleigh Robinson, Belton; Ashley Reyna, Harlingen South; Tanjala Smith, Killeen.

Second base: Jordan Stange, Rockwall-Heath; Mackenzie Bartlett, Belton; Katelyn Belch, Wylie; Judy Alvarez, McAllen.

Third base: Kayla Sanchez, Northside Brennan; Meagan Ramos, Austin Bowie; Natalie Rodriguez, Edinburg North; Madison Bartlett, Belton; Victoria Garivey, Pasadena Memorial

Shortstop: Baylee Klingler, Dickinson; Madison Legget, Rockwall-Heath; Leah Akridge, Lufkin; Clarissa Barron, Alvin; Abby Odneal, Ridge Point; Amanda Roth, Hebron; Juliana Brown, Austin Westlake

Outfield: Madison Ward, Belton; Brooke Goynes, Longview; Alexandra Torres, Northside Brennan; Casey Akers, Timber Creek; Sheridan Fisher, Cypress Fairbanks; Ashley McClellan, Midland; Madie Green, Timber Creek; Yvonne Whaley, Pasadena Dobie; Bethany Busch, Baytown Sterling; Lauren Kuhrt, Kingwood; Jackie Ramos, Austin Bowie; Aziah James, Spring; Sami Thomas, Coppell; Caraline Woodall, Keller; Karlee Canada, Cypress Ranch; Sarah Polanco, El Paso Montwood.

DP/Utility: Savana Mata, Pasadena Memorial; Arsen Franco, Irving Nimitz; Miranda Davila, Belton; Ciara Bosquez, San Marcos.