Liberty Hill softball falls one round short of state tournament in loss to Harlingen South

Liberty Hill fell to Harlingen South 14-7 and 14-9 to come up just one round short of reaching the state tournament following a spectacular season. The Panthers had plenty of offense, but the Hawks just had more in the UIL Class 5A Region IV finals.

The Hawks improved to 35-4 on the season and has won 23 of their last 25 games while Liberty Hill closes the season at 32-10. The Panthers captured the district, bi-district and area championships before winning in regional quarterfinals and semifinals. The Hawks were ranked in the top three of the state.

The Panthers led early in both games, but the experience and offensive firepower of the Hawks overcame both leads with big-inning explosions as Harlingen South had a five-run inning in Game 1 and then a six-run inning in Game 2.

Offensively, the Panthers held their own as Addison Shifflett had three hits, including a pair of triples, and scored twice in Game 1. Hadley McBeath had three hits, including a triple, while Cadence Wiese had two hits, including a home run, and drove in a pair of runs while receiving two intentional walks. Freshman standout Bella Nicholson had two hits and drove in a pair of runs.

Game 2 was a familiar experience as Liberty Hill led early before the Hawks managed nine runs total in the fifth and sixth innings. Makayla Mendoza had four hits, including a double and a home run, while driving in four runs and stealing two bases. Wiese had two more hits with another home run and an intentional walk. Shifflett doubled and homered while Maddie Kingslien added a two-run home run for Liberty Hill.

Harlingen South was led by Amira Rodriguez, who was the key in the circle and at the plate for the Hawks, who are making their first trip to the state tournament.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Liberty Hill softball falls one round short of state tournament in loss to Harlingen South