The Midway Pantherettes left no doubt in the Class 6A Division I state final, delivering a commanding 9–1 victory over League City Clear Springs on Saturday night at McCombs Field to secure the program’s third state title.
Midway (32–3) came out strong and never looked back, scoring twice in the first inning on clutch RBI hits by Lillian Davis and Amaya Locke. A five-run third inning broke the game open, highlighted by Lanee Brown’s RBI double, aggressive base running, and key hits from Kallei Alvarado and Camryn Carter. Jayden Sadler capped the rally by drawing a bases-loaded walk.
“But the Pantherettes were far from finished,” Brown said. “I knew we were going to come ready to play. I was excited, stoked, and relaxed.”
In the circle, junior Peyton Philipp was dominant. The right-hander struck out 11, allowed just one run on eight hits, and walked only one to earn game MVP honors. Her poise and consistency helped Midway control the game from start to finish.
“When Peyton is throwing like that, she gives us all the confidence in the world,” said head coach Jordan Williams, who earned her first state title as a coach—on her birthday.
While Midway had opportunities to close it out early, the team took pride in finishing strong.
“We all wanted the run-rule,” said Sadler. “But ending it on the field made it even better. We’ve worked for this all year. It was incredible.”
With the win, Midway adds another championship trophy to its decorated history, joining titles from 1998 and 2010—this time, with a team defined by talent, teamwork, and total belief.
