GAMES
RANKINGS
In their 2nd-straight appearance at State, Kingwood eyes its first-ever championship
THE FINAL INNINGS: 2025 UIL State Softball Preview -- Kingwood v. Forney (6A-D2)
Under the guidance of second-year head coach Christa Williams-Yates, the Mustangs have surged through the playoffs, most recently sweeping Dripping Springs in the semifinals. After a 7-1 win in Game 1, they closed the series with a dominant 16-6 run-rule victory in Game 2.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Senior catcher and Virginia Tech-signee Mia Gagliardi was nearly unstoppable in the series, racking up nine RBIs with two home runs and two doubles. Leilani Garcia added a crucial three-run shot to help punch Kingwood’s ticket to Austin.
With standout players like Stanford-bound shortstop Addyson Sheppard and sophomore ace Hunter Quentel, Kingwood is eyeing its first-ever state title.
The Mustangs also boast key depth in the form of sophomore first baseman Kendall Yates, junior utility player Frei Pizzaro, and senior outfielder Abella Mata—each of whom brings poise to a well-rounded squad.
Forney (34-2-1) enters the championship with momentum of its own.
The Jackrabbits outlasted Dripping Springs in a three-game semifinal series, sealing the deal with a 6-3 win in Game 3.
This marks Forney’s sixth all-time appearance at State and their first since 2019. They captured their only title in 2018 with a 4-1 win over Foster.
Veteran head coach Pat Eitel leads a senior-heavy roster with college talent across the board.
Pitcher/first baseman Cailey Slade (Bossier Parish CC), third baseman Savanna Villarreal (Howard College), shortstop Eva Daniels (North Texas), second baseman Emma Boren (East Texas Baptist), and first baseman Ashlyn Oscars (Austin College) provide experience and production.
Additionally, freshman catcher Ryann Harris adds a spark behind the plate.
With both programs carrying strong regular-season resumes and playoff-tested rosters, Saturday’s final promises a competitive, high-energy showdown with a state title on the line.
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Barbers Hill SB poses after defeating Smithson Valley 4-0 in the 5A-D1 State Semis
THE FINAL INNINGS: 2025 UIL State Softball Preview -- Barbers Hill v. Melissa (5A-D1)
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.