GAMES
RANKINGS
EVERYTHING ON THE LINE: 2026 UIL Softball State Championship Preview — Pearland vs. Midway, 6A D1
WHERE: Red & Charline McCombs Field -- Austin, TX
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PEARLAND OILERS
They’re back! Just three years into Michele Hyden’s tenure as head coach, Pearland (37-6) has returned to McCombs Field with hopes of capturing state crown No. 4—and the program’s first since Laneigh Clark’s swan-song season in 2023.
Though the Lady Oilers had overpowered most opponents up to that point, they were undoubtedly tested in last week’s semifinal series against Buda Johnson. After dropping Game 1, 7-1, Pearland responded emphatically with wins of 9-1 and 8-2 in Games 2 and 3—a dramatic turnaround that should provide the team with plenty of momentum entering Saturday’s matchup.
Beyond the infectious energy the squad generates, Pearland’s suffocating defense has often been its greatest strength. That effort begins with reigning 22-6A Pitcher of the Year Madelyn Guzman, a senior Temple College signee who has compiled an astounding 27-3 record this spring.
Meanwhile, the batting order has proven virtually impossible to contain, fueled by the relentless production of senior standouts Payton Shugart (Texas State), Layla Bennett (UCF), Payton Powell (Blinn College), Anison Lopez (Grayson College), and Elaina Njus (LSU Eunice).
The Lady Oilers pose following their 8-0 victory against Cy-Fair in the Region III Final (5/14/2026)Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
MIDWAY PANTHERS
An undeniable perennial powerhouse in Texas, Midway (35-5-1) finds itself back on the same stage it occupied a year ago, when head coach Jordan Williams and company collected the 6A Division I trophy. Now making its third consecutive appearance in the UIL title game, the defending champs enter with ambitions of not only repeating, but—like their opponent Pearland—bringing home a fourth state banner overall.
Junior Peyton Phillipp remains the focal point of the Panthers’ operation, as the Baylor commit has followed up last season’s 6A D1 State Tournament MVP honor with a remarkable 27-3 mark this spring. She’s also hitting well over .400 at the plate, underscoring her ability to impact the game in every phase for Midway.
Perhaps the most dangerous bat in Williams’ lineup is senior outfielder Camryn Carter, a Northwestern State signee who is hitting just under .500 while also posting a 5-0 record as a left-handed pitcher when needed. The batting order is further bolstered by senior second baseman Amaya Locke (Nelson University), along with junior catcher Lilly Davis and junior shortstop Kallei Alvarado.
The Midway Panthers win the 2025 UIL 6A Division 1 State Championship with a 9-1 win against Clear Springs (5/31/2025)Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
2025-26 Pearland Softball
THE STANDARD LIVES: No. 13 Pearland stands as a traditional superpower
In 2025, PHS stormed to an unblemished District 22-6A championship before bowing out in a decisive Game 3 against powerhouse Atascocita, closing the spring at 27–8 overall. With the majority of last year’s core back in the fold, Pearland has every reason to believe a resurgence is taking shape.
Senior right-hander Madelyn Guzman anchors the staff after earning District 22-6A Pitcher of the Year honors, while Texas State signee Payton Shugart brings first-team all-district pedigree and steady leadership behind the plate.
Pearland Sr. IF Layla Bennett (Central Florida signee)Matt Powell (VYPE)
The infield remains a strength with first-team seniors Layla Bennett (Central Florida) and Payton Powell (Blinn), joined by shortstop Elaina Njus, an honorable mention selection. Though the outfield will feature new faces, second-teamer Anison Lopez (Grayson College) provides experience and cohesion.
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