Softball regional finals: Byron Nelson eliminated in thriller, more from area
The UIL Texas high school softball regional finals continued Friday. See coverage and results from around the Fort Worth-area.
Byron Nelson falls to Guyer in extra innings thriller
Byron Nelson’s chances weren’t looking great after being no-hit in game one of a Class 6A Division II regional final series against consistent powerhouse Denton Guyer.
But with their backs against the wall, the Bobcats (37-7-1) fought back and made the series a dogfight. In a deciding game three Friday at Coppell ISD’s Cowgirls Stadium, Byron Nelson’s season came to an end with an 8-5 extra innings loss to Guyer (35-4).
“These kids have been getting punched in the mouth all year,” Byron Nelson softball coach Danielle Hadnot said. “These kids came in as underdogs. ... Nobody had expectations for these kids, except for the kids. ... They told me we can win district. ... They said ‘We’re going to be better than any Byron Nelson team has ever been.’”
It was the furthest playoff run in Byron Nelson program history, just one year after missing the playoffs. Earlier in the season, Byron Nelson won a district title for the first time.
Guyer will appear in a state semifinal for the fourth consecutive season.
In the first inning, Byron Nelson gave up four runs, which is double the amount the Wildcats scored in the first two games combined. But with some time to face and understand Guyer standout pitcher Finley Montgomery, a Notre Dame pledge, Byron Nelson’s offense came alive and scored three in retaliation in the first frame.
“Nobody had any quit in them all night long,” Hadnot said.
After Byron Nelson tied the game in the third inning with some heads up base running, Elle Dearing delivered a two-out single in the fifth inning to give the Bobcats the lead. Meanwhile, sophomore pitcher Meredith Hambric settled in nicely, keeping Guyer off the scoreboard for five consecutive innings.
On the season, she has a 1.17 ERA and has arguably been one of the most impactful players in the Fort Worth-area.
“A big breakout year for her,” Hadnot said. “I would say we saw this coming from her. Meredith just wants the ball. When the moment is big, when the lights are bright — she wants the ball. There is no moment that’s too big.”
Down to its last strike in the seventh inning, Guyer needed a clutch hit and got it. Madison Mettille delivered with a series saving RBI triple. The Wildcats scored three runs in the eighth inning on a single from Annaleeia Martinez and Byron Nelson could not respond.
Aledo clobbers Abilene in one game
Aledo (29-10) only needed five innings to take care of Abilene (27-12-1) in one game, winner takes all Class 5A Division I regional final.
The Bearcats won 13-0 and starting pitcher Tempe Perry threw a complete game, allowing two hits. She was also the standout on offense, driving in four runs with a double and a home run. Kyleigh Pawlak was also a key contributor with a team high three hits and an RBI.
Aledo was leading 4-0 in the fourth inning when a nine run scoring spree put the Bearcats in a position to seize the mercy rule win. All nine players in Aledo’s lineup registered a hit in the contest.
The Bearcats will face state power Melissa, a squad that captured 14-2 and 14-4 victories over Walnut Grove. In 2025, Melissa eliminated Aledo with a dominant 15-4 win in the state semifinals and moved on to win the Class 5A Division I state title.
Aledo is a state power in its own right. The Bearcats have made a state semifinal appearance in five of the last six seasons in search of their first state title since 2015.
More area scores
Wylie 3, Brewer 1 (G3: 1 p.m. Saturday at Stephenville HS)
Brock 15, Randall 1 -- Brock advances to Class 4A Division II state semifinal
This story was originally published May 15, 2026 at 10:10 PM.
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