GAMES
RANKINGS
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)
A new chapter in UIL Softball will be written Friday afternoon at Red & Charline McCombs Field in Austin, as Lake Creek and Hallsville square off for the 5A-Division II title, with the first pitch being set for 4:00 PM.
For Lake Creek, it’s no secret that this trip to the State Final is familiar territory.
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.
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Lovejoy Softball players pose at the 2021 VYPE DFW baseball/softball photoshoot presented by Whataburger
Regional Finals Softball Preview: Lovejoy vs. Hallsville
Lovejoy athletics is no stranger to sending their athletes to the biggest stages in high school sports. Following suit, the Lady Leopards softball team has fought their way to the UIL Class 5A Region II Regional Finals- just two wins away from the UIL State Championship series.
Lovejoy has posted a 29-10-2 overall record so far on the season with a 73% win percentage. They have shown outstanding solidarity in their defense while outscoring their opponents by 154 runs on the season.
Finishing second in their district, just behind Prosper Rock Hill (13-1) who fell last week to Hallsville in the Regional Semi-Finals. Lovejoy is set to face Hallsville with a Regional Finals series beginning Wednesday evening.
Hallsville will be one of the toughest opponents the Lady Leopards have seen this season. With a 25-8-1 overall record (11-2 in their district with a second-place finish in their district), the Hallsville Lady Bobcats have outscored their opponents by 179 runs on the season. The two teams have seen many of the same opponents this season with Lovejoy posting more wins against common opponents than Hallsville.
The Lady Leopards defense will have to play smart from start to finish against the Hallsville bats who are likely to come out of the dugout swinging early.
Game 1 is set to begin on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at Whitehouse High School.