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2025-26 Lake Creek Lions Softball
HISTORY IN MOTION: No. 1 Lake Creek needs no introduction in its second Repeat Mission
Simply put, the Lions were an unstoppable force last spring, powering their way through a perfect 37–0 campaign capped by a 12–1 victory over Hallsville in the 5A Division II State Final. The win secured the first state championship under head coach Candyce Carter and the program’s third overall, all within a four-year span.
Now entering her third season at the helm, Carter has a chance to guide Lake Creek to back-to-back titles in Austin, echoing the feat accomplished by legendary coach Michelle Rochinski in 2023. LC certainly has the pieces in place to make it 4-for-5.
Sara Wiggins (Wichita State signee)
Farrah Sheeren (VYPE/Phlox Photography)
Senior pitcher Sara Wiggins is a genuine game-changer when she’s dealing. The Wichita State signee went 21–0 en route to State Tournament MVP, District 17-5A MVP, and THSCA Super Elite Team MVP honors in 2025. With her usual relief, Chesney Davis, now at Texas State, Wiggins enters the season unflinching in the face of adversity.
North Carolina-bound Madalyn Davis (Sr. OF) returns atop Carter’s lineup after hitting roughly .580 last season, a performance that earned her the 17-5A Offensive Player of the Year designation.
She’s joined by a senior class rich in collegiate talent, including Miranda Orso (McLennan), Laney Galloway (McNeese State), Gracee Brewer (McNeese State), Addison Davis (UT-Tyler), and Abby Estay (LSU-Eunice), all of whom are signed to play at the next level. Meanwhile, juniors Maci Nowak and Annelise Torres are also primed to step into expanded roles.
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Can Lake Creek claim State Title No. 3 and complete their perfect season?
THE FINAL INNINGS: 2025 UIL State Softball Preview -- Lake Creek v. Hallsville (5A-D2)
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.