GAMES
RANKINGS
Can Clear Springs cap off their monumental season with a title, against a loaded Midway program?
THE FINAL INNINGS: 2025 UIL State Softball Preview -- Clear Springs v. Midway (6A-D1)
Under head coach Jennifer Knight, the Chargers made their first-ever appearance in the UIL State Tournament a week ago— and now find themselves just one win away from the title.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Their path to the final has been defined by grit and resilience, most recently showcased in a sweep of East Central in the Semifinals. In Game 1, the Chargers rallied from a three-run deficit to pull off a dramatic 8-7 comeback victory, before clinching the series with a tight 5-4 win in Game 2.
The Chargers feature a well-rounded mix of seasoned seniors and emerging underclassmen. Senior third baseman Eryn Polite (Florida A&M-commit) and senior catcher Erianna Garcia (Abilene Christian) anchor the lineup, while freshman shortstop Makenzie Thomas has impressed throughout the entirety of 2025.
Adding depth are freshmen Elisa Garcia and Brynley Colianni, along with sophomore Brooke Colianni. In the outfield, twin juniors Alana and Emily Strever provide speed and defensive stability.
Furthermore, senior right-handers Jenna Hashaw (San Jacinto CC) and Grace Hirst (Lamar State) have formed a reliable one-two punch in the circle.
Their opponent, Midway (31-3), brings both experience and an underlying sense of redemption into Saturday’s title game.
Led by head coach Jordan Williams, the Panthers are making their 12th trip to the State Tournament and second consecutive appearance in the Final.
Still fueled by last year’s heartbreaking loss to Weslaco — in which they gave up a six-run lead in the seventh inning and lost on a walk-off grand slam — Midway is determined to finish the job this time around.
Senior standouts Jayden Sadler (McLennan) and Harper Haas (Baylor) lead a battle-tested squad, supported by junior outfielder Camryn Carter (Northwestern State) and senior utility player Lanee Brown.
Sophomore pitcher Peyton Philipp has been dominant all year, posting a 19-2 record in the circle, while junior infielder Amaya Locke adds power and consistency at the plate.
With one team chasing history and the other seeking redemption, Saturday’s final promises to deliver high drama and elite softball on the state’s biggest stage.
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Whataburger Team of the Week: Clear Springs Softball stuns Katy in walk-off fashion
The Tigers had consistently ranked among the state’s top-10 programs and entered the matchup with high expectations. Early on, they looked the part, jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the second inning.
Clear Springs answered with a run of their own, only for Katy to extend the margin to 4-1 by the fourth.
But the Chargers never blinked.
By the bottom of the sixth, Clear Springs had clawed back to tie the game 4-4. Katy responded in the top of the seventh, reclaiming the lead at 5-4.
With two runners on and just one out left, Clear Springs needed a spark.
They got it — in dramatic fashion.
Senior Eryn Polite stepped to the plate and delivered a clutch three-run walk-off home run, sealing a stunning 7-5 victory and completing the team’s remarkable comeback.
“I was just looking for my pitch,” said Polite. “I trained all week for it. I was just ready at that moment — ready to swing for my team, and I’m just grateful it worked out for us in the end.”
With the win, Clear Springs improved to 22-6 and advanced to the 6A-D1 Region III Final — the deepest playoff run for the program since 2021, when they made it five rounds deep.
Head Coach Jennifer Knight was beaming after the game.
“I have no words to describe what just happened,” Knight said. “I’m just so proud of them and the fight that they had. She (Polite) has just been hitting the ball so well lately. We always have a chance when she’s at the plate — and that’s all I know.”
Next up: Clear Springs will face Atascocita later this week for a spot in the UIL State Tournament — a milestone the Chargers have never reached.
If recent performances are any indication, this next series could be another classic.
