GAMES
RANKINGS
Whataburger Team of the Week: Kingwood dominates in State Final to claim first-ever title
Sophomore right-handed pitcher Hunter Quentel was named the game’s MVP after a standout two-way performance. Quentel notched seven strikeouts in the circle and delivered the game’s decisive blow with a two-run homer in the third inning.
She finished the season with an 18-3 record and cemented herself as one of the state’s rising stars.
Kingwood jumped out to an early lead with an RBI single from junior third baseman Frei Pizarro in the second. Subsequently, KHS widened the gap the following inning, beginning with an RBI double from senior catcher Mia Gagliardi (Virginia Tech-commit) — who went 2-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI.
Moments later, Quentel launched her home run over the left-field fence, giving Kingwood a comfortable 4-0 lead.
Forney's only run came in the later innings via a sacrifice fly by Ashlyn Oscars, but it wasn’t enough to challenge Kingwood’s grip on the game.
In addition to Quentel, Gagliardi, and Pizarro, several Mustangs were named to the UIL State All-Tournament team, including standout senior shortstop Addy Sheppard (Stanford-commit), senior second baseman Leilani Garcia, sophomore first baseman Kendall Yates, and senior outfielder Abella Mata.
Head Coach Christa Williams-Yates, now in her second year leading the program, guided the Mustangs to their historic title with poise and purpose.
A former Olympian and Texas Longhorn, Williams-Yates was a member of the first team to play at McCombs Field in 1998. Nearly three decades later, she returned to that same field—this time as a coach—to lead Kingwood to its first-ever state crown.
With a mix of veteran leadership and emerging young talent, the Kingwood Mustangs have not only made history—they’ve set a new standard for excellence in Texas high school softball.
Whataburger Team of the Week: Barbers Hill SB punches ticket to State Final in a dominant display
Barbers Hill Sr. RHP Hailey Nutter delivers a master-class performance, with a total of 18 strikeouts against Smithson ValleyMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
The University of Kentucky-signee struck out 18 batters and recorded a no-hitter — albeit an unconventional one — in a statement outing that propelled Barbers Hill into the State Final for the first time since 2021.
“To stay locked into the goal I make sure that I don’t let anything on the outside get in my head, and focus on what I can accomplish with my catcher,” Nutter said. “When you get out in front of all of this it can be easy to get distracted. So, keeping the concentration with her helps to block it all out.”
Nutter and sophomore catcher Zoey Hood have a conversation on the pitcher's moundMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
The Eagles’ offense came alive in the third inning, where they did all of their scoring.
Junior AshLynn Cooper sparked the surge with an RBI double, followed by a sacrifice fly from Nutter. Sophomore Aybrie Corona then delivered the knockout blow — a two-run homer that gave Barbers Hill a comfortable cushion and sealed the game’s momentum.
With the win, Barbers Hill improved to 35-3 on the season and secured its place in the championship game — a feat they last accomplished in 2021, when they captured the program’s first state title with a 4-1 victory over Aledo.
Head coach Aaron Fuller reflected on how this senior class has come full circle.
HC Aaron Fuller speaks with his team after their 4-0 win against Smithson Valley Thursday.Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
“This group of seniors were eighth graders, in the stands watching, when we won it the last time around,” Fuller said. “They saw that and they know it’s a possibility. Ever since their freshman year, that’s all they’ve wanted — the opportunity to dog-pile in Austin.
“We’ve had the talent each year, but we’ve run into great teams and have just fallen short. But we’ve inched closer each season. Our seniors have been determined to lead us to this point and get us over the hump, and it showed in this game.”
Barbers Hill will now face defending state champion Melissa (37-1) in what promises to be one of the most anticipated matchups of the spring. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 PM this Friday at UT-Austin’s Red & Charline McCombs Field.
Aybrie Corona
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
