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EVERYTHING ON THE LINE: 2026 UIL Softball State Championship Preview — Barbers Hill vs. Aledo, 5A D1
WHERE: Red & Charline McCombs Field -- Austin, TX
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BARBERS HILL EAGLES
It hardly comes as a surprise that Barbers Hill once again finds itself vying for the UIL crown in ATX, given the overflowing talent that makes up head coach Aaron Fuller’s roster. Still, the Eagles have played with something of a chip on their shoulder this spring.
After falling to Melissa (4-2) in last year’s championship game, The Hill has been eager for an opportunity to validate the hype surrounding it with the program’s first title since 2021—when it defeated none other than Aledo, 4-1—and just the second in school history.
That resolve has been evident throughout the season, as the group enters the finale with a pristine 39-5 record. Pair that with last week’s one-sided dispatching of Leander—not to mention the entirety of its postseason run—and it becomes clear why Barbers Hill is ranked among the top teams in the nation by MaxPreps.
Beyond the undeniable talent of pitcher Macie Bryant—an LSU commit with disorienting ball control and a 30-1 mark in the circle this year—and a synchronized defensive effort, it’s the lineup that makes the Eagles so dangerous.
Leadoff hitter Savannah Barrientos (Jr. OF) is a virtual guarantee to reach base, while shortstop Izzy Lawrence (North Carolina commit), third baseman JosLynn Cooper, catcher Zoey Hood, and outfielders AshLynn Cooper (Blinn) and Helena Lawrence each bring a blend of consistency and power that has defined the BH junior class.
Sophomore Madison Ray has also proven to be an invaluable addition to the batting order, finding her best form in the postseason. Barbers Hill’s depth is especially timely given that one of its key hitters, Aybrie Corona, is nursing a knee injury—though her grit could still see her available for at-bats if needed
Barbers Hill advances to the 5A Division 1 State Championship with their sweep against Leander (5/21/2026)Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
ALEDO BEARCATS
Aledo (30-10) made a statement last week, knocking off two-time defending state champion Melissa, 5-4, in a single-game semifinal that felt almost poetic. Under coach Heather Myers, the Bearcats made their third consecutive appearance in the State Tournament and, in the process, flipped the script on the Cardinals—a team that had denied them a trip to McCombs Field a year ago. As a result, Aledo now has the opportunity to capture its fourth overall UIL title and first since the program’s back-to-back championships in 2015.
Like Barbers Hill, the Bearcats have thrived behind an unrelenting offensive output. George Mason-bound senior Kyleigh Pawlak serves as the catalyst, producing MVP-caliber numbers while leading the team in batting average (.423), hits (47), and RBIs (40), along with seven home runs. Senior shortstop Delaney Rosser (Stephen F. Austin signee) consistently sets the table, while junior pitcher Rylee Marx, senior catcher Breleigh Mayer (Brandeis University), and sophomores Tempe Perry and Brooklyn Taloa provide the punch needed to drive runners home.
Perry, who was named the District 5-5A Pitcher of the Year in her freshman campaign, remains the focal point of the defense, showing impressive composure while posting a 16-4 record on the year. Additionally, junior Rylee Marx (10-2) is just as capable in the circle when called upon, while also providing a similarly steady presence in the batter’s box.
