Katy Rallies Past Clear Creek 5-4 to Reach State Semifinals

A 16-game winning streak faced its toughest test when Clear Creek jumped out to an early three-run advantage in the regional finals. Lita Coria's two-run double down the left field line staked the Wildcats to a 3-0 lead and put Katy's postseason run in jeopardy.

The Tigers began their comeback when Allie Fling scored on a wild pitch to make it 3-1. Lexie Waugh followed with a sharp grounder back through the box that allowed Nevaeh Phillips to score, cutting the deficit to 3-2.

Katy pulled even in the top of the third when EK Smith's ground ball through the left side brought home Kassidy Minnick, who had read the play perfectly and beat the throw to the plate for a 3-3 tie.

The game remained deadlocked until the top of the sixth, when Evie Willemssen delivered the decisive blow—a two-run homer to left field that just cleared the fence and gave Katy its first lead at 5-3.

Haley Schmidt entered to close out the game in the circle, inducing a pop-up for the final out. Katy held on for a 5-4 victory and advanced to the state semifinals, extending their winning streak to 17 games.