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Barbers Hill SB poses after defeating Smithson Valley 4-0 in the 5A-D1 State Semis
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
Some of the stars of 2024-25 Barbers Hill SoftballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Barbers Hill Eagles (35-3)
Head Coach: Aaron Fuller
Barbers Hill punched its ticket to the title game with a 4-0 win over Smithson Valley in last week’s semifinal.
Though the final score suggests a close contest, the Eagles dominated every phase—most notably from the circle. Senior right-hander and Kentucky-signee Hailey Nutter was simply untouchable, tossing a no-hitter and racking up 18 strikeouts in a performance that left little doubt.
Offensively, the Eagles have leaned on a young but potent lineup.
Junior outfielder AshLynn Cooper, sophomores Aybrie Corona (2B), JosLynn Cooper (3B), Savannah Barrientos (OF), and catcher Zoey Hood have all made significant contributions.
Hood, in particular, has emerged as a steady presence behind the plate in place of senior Peyton Helmly (Sam Houston State-signee), who’s been sidelined for most of the season due to a hamstring injury.
This marks the fifth UIL State Tournament appearance in program history for Barbers Hill—and just their second trip to the final. Their last appearance came in 2021, when they defeated Aledo 4-1 to win the title.
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The Melissa Softball program moments after winning the 2024 UIL-5A State Championship (6/1/2024)Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
Melissa Cardinals (37-1)
Head Coach: Cassie Crabtree
The defending champions return to Austin with momentum and swagger after dismantling Aledo 15-4 in the semifinal. Melissa captured the 5A crown in dominant fashion last year, shutting out Harlingen South 8-0 on this very field.
The Cardinals boast a star-studded roster, highlighted by sophomore catcher Hutton “Lulu” Adrian, outfielder Finlee Williams, and senior shortstop Caigan Crabtree—a Texas-signee and the reigning 5A State MVP. Junior third baseman Kennedy Bradley, a Florida-commit, leads the team with 24 home runs.
In the circle, sophomore ace Eloisa Maes has been lights out, compiling a flawless 30-0 record with over 200 strikeouts this spring. Senior pitcher/first baseman Makenna Ramsey and outfielder Paisley Needham (Grayson College-signee) round out a deep and exceedingly dangerous squad.
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Both programs are chasing their second state championship in what promises to be one of the most compelling finals in recent memory. Will Barbers Hill dethrone the champs? Or will Melissa reinforce their status as the powerhouse of 5A softball?
Either way, expect fireworks in Austin.
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Can Lake Creek claim State Title No. 3 and complete their perfect season?
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The undefeated Lions (36-0) have advanced to the championship game for the third time in four years, looking to claim their third consecutive title after dominant performances in 2022 and 2023.
But this year's squad looks different.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Gone are the marquee names from the Lions' recent dynasty—Ava Brown (Florida), Maddie McKee (LSU), and Kalee Rochinski (UTSA)—who led Lake Creek through back-to-back title runs. In their place, a new wave of talent has stepped up and carried the torch.
Junior pitcher Sara Wiggins, a Wichita State-commit, has emerged as one of the premier arms in Texas and a cornerstone of Lake Creek’s flawless season. Senior Chesney Davis (Texas State), who contributes both in the circle and at the plate, offers versatility and power.
The lineup remains dangerous with juniors Madalyn Davis (North Carolina) and Gracee Brewer (McNeese State), as well as seniors Kloie Futch and Maggie Hayward (Hillsdale College), all bringing postseason experience and production.
Lake Creek most recently swept Rouse in the state semifinals, winning 4-3 and 8-4, continuing their unblemished run.
On the other side, Hallsville (36-5-1) enters the final with plenty of motivation and momentum. The Bobcats edged Grapevine 3-2 in a decisive Game 3 last weekend to punch their ticket to Austin.
While this is Hallsville’s first appearance in the championship since 2001, the program is no stranger to the state stage, having last made the tournament in 2021.
Led by head coach Kayla Whatley, Hallsville is anchored by senior right-hander Lindsey Dubberly, a Southeastern Oklahoma State-signee who has delivered all season.
Senior outfielder Hope Miles brings leadership and consistency, while young stars like sophomore Miller Goswick and freshman Ella Baird (RHP/UTL) have played key roles throughout the postseason run.
With a dynasty on one side and a program chasing its first title in over two decades on the other, Friday’s final promises to be a compelling clash of experience, talent, and hunger.
CLICK HERE TO STAY UPDATED ON ALL THE UIL STATE SOFTBALL BRACKETS
Barbers Hill Sr. RHP Hailey Nutter delivers a master-class performance, with a total of 18 strikeouts against Smithson ValleyMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
The University of Kentucky-signee struck out 18 batters and recorded a no-hitter — albeit an unconventional one — in a statement outing that propelled Barbers Hill into the State Final for the first time since 2021.
“To stay locked into the goal I make sure that I don’t let anything on the outside get in my head, and focus on what I can accomplish with my catcher,” Nutter said. “When you get out in front of all of this it can be easy to get distracted. So, keeping the concentration with her helps to block it all out.”
Nutter and sophomore catcher Zoey Hood have a conversation on the pitcher's moundMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
The Eagles’ offense came alive in the third inning, where they did all of their scoring.
Junior AshLynn Cooper sparked the surge with an RBI double, followed by a sacrifice fly from Nutter. Sophomore Aybrie Corona then delivered the knockout blow — a two-run homer that gave Barbers Hill a comfortable cushion and sealed the game’s momentum.
With the win, Barbers Hill improved to 35-3 on the season and secured its place in the championship game — a feat they last accomplished in 2021, when they captured the program’s first state title with a 4-1 victory over Aledo.
Head coach Aaron Fuller reflected on how this senior class has come full circle.
HC Aaron Fuller speaks with his team after their 4-0 win against Smithson Valley Thursday.Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
“This group of seniors were eighth graders, in the stands watching, when we won it the last time around,” Fuller said. “They saw that and they know it’s a possibility. Ever since their freshman year, that’s all they’ve wanted — the opportunity to dog-pile in Austin.
“We’ve had the talent each year, but we’ve run into great teams and have just fallen short. But we’ve inched closer each season. Our seniors have been determined to lead us to this point and get us over the hump, and it showed in this game.”
Barbers Hill will now face defending state champion Melissa (37-1) in what promises to be one of the most anticipated matchups of the spring. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 PM this Friday at UT-Austin’s Red & Charline McCombs Field.
Aybrie Corona
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
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