Brock falls to Liberty in UIL Class 4A Division II state championship
Brock entered the Class 4A Division II state championship having recently made its first state tournament appearance since the 2019 season.
For a school in its first UIL realignment cycle within Class 4A, that’s a big accomplishment. But ultimately, Brock (32-11) fell short of its ultimate goal of a state championship, falling 12-0 via run rule in a six-inning affair to Liberty (39-6) in the title game at Red & Charline McCombs Field at the University of Texas on Friday.
Brock head coach Greg Connors, despite the loss, said he was appreciative of the opportunity.
“It means a lot,” Connors said. “Hard work pays off. And if you play as a team, you’re going to get to where you want to be. ... There is an opportunity for us. It didn’t go our way, but we’re going to do the same thing year in and year out.”
Brock’s offense was shut down by Liberty pitcher Bayleigh Taylor, tallying only two hits as a team in the contest. Freshman Jayci Smith laid down a bunt single in the first inning and freshman Trinity Franklin had a double in the fifth inning.
In general, Brock’s roster is incredibly young with 13 underclassmen and eight freshman. The team should be in a position to compete for titles for years to come, as only two upperclassmen started in the state title game.
“It’s always potential,” Connors said of his team. “But we have to capitalize on that. Now, we know what it takes to get here. We’ve got to build on that so we can win it.”
Liberty won its first softball state title since 2022 and fourth overall.
After seizing a 1-0 lead in the first inning, Liberty’s offense was relentless, adding two runs in the third and fourth innings. Liberty scored four and three runs in the fifth and sixth innings, respectively.
“They were a good team,” Connors said. “ .... Our hats are off to them. We’re going to go back, and we’re going to keep working hard. ... [Taylor] is a good pitcher. There is a reason why she has the statistics she has. ... Great pitcher.”
The Eagles were looking for their first state title since 2009; they’ve made six state tournament appearances since then (2010, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2026) and last made a title game in 2010. Prior to the 2026 playoffs, Brock won the District 6-4A title with a 10-0 run.
“We carry a standard around Brock,” Connors said. “And I think that goes for all sports across the board. ... We’re going to keep rising to that standard, wherever we play.”
This story was originally published May 29, 2026 at 2:45 PM.
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