GAMES
RANKINGS
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.
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