2023 UIL State Softball: Hermleigh uses big inning to return to state title game

AUSTIN — Hermeligh will have the chance it has wanted since last year.

The Cardinals (21-6) rode a seven-run fifth inning to a 9-3 win against Dodd City, beating the Hornets for the second straight season in the Class 1A softball state semifinals to earn a rematch with D'Hanis in Thursday's state championship game.

Hermleigh lost to the Cowgirls 6-2 in the 2022 state championship game and will have a chance at redemption thanks to its explosive fifth inning against Dodd City that saw the first seven Cardinals batters reach.

The frame was punctuated by Summer Smith's two-run single, as the sophomore pitcher helped herself with three hits and three RBI on the day. She was stellar in the circle, allowing six hits with nine strikeouts, with only a three-run sixth spoiling a strong outing.

Juli Munoz added two hits with two RBI and Syreah Callaway had two RBI for the Cardinals, which will face D'Hanis at 4 p.m. Thursday.

CLASS 1A STATE SEMIFINAL

HERMLEIGH 9, DODD CITY 3

W — Summer Smith (21-6). L — Lindsey Mauppin (7-6).

2B — DC, Mauppin; Hermleigh, Juli Munoz. 3B — Hermleigh, Lexi Greenwood.

Highlights — DC, Mauppin 2-3, RBI, R, 6 IP, 13 H, 9 R, BB, 5 K; Addyson Chaney 1-3; Hannah Burney 1-3, RBI; Hermleigh, Sydney Hancock 2-4, R; Greenwood, 2-4, 2 R, 3B, RBI; Syreah Callaway, 1-4, 2 RBI, 2 R; Smith 3-4, 3 RBI, 7 IP, 6 H, 3 R, BB, 9 K; Munoz 2-3, 2B, 2 RBI, R; Victoria Martinez 1-3, RBI