BY BRIAN GOSSET
X – @gosset41
X – @gmsportsmedia1
================================
AUSTIN – Forney was looking to become the first softball team from the Dallas-Fort Worth area to win a UIL state title in the largest class since 2017, but the Jackrabbits fell short against Humble Kingwood 4-1 in the Class 6A Division 2 championship on Saturday at McCombs Field from the University of Texas.
The Jackrabbits (34-3-1) were at state for the sixth time and first since going back-to-back in 2018 and 2019. Forney won the 2018 title while in Class 5A.
Kingwood sophomore Hunter Quentel was voted state champ MVP with one run on four hits and seven strikeouts while adding a two-run home run. She improved her pitching record to 18-3.
Forney’s bats were quiet with two hits through the first six innings.
The Jackrabbits finally got a little groove in the top of the seventh.
Kingwood (34-4-1), with its first title in program history, got a lead off single in the bottom of the second. After a Forney error and a strikeout by sophomore starting pitcher Emmie Santos, Frei Pizarro hit 1-2 pitch to left for an RBI single and 1-0 lead.
Santos picked up another strikeout and grounder to Eva Daniels at short to get out of the jam with runners on the corners. Santos ended the year 17-3.
Mia Gagliardi hit an RBI double in the third to give the Mustangs a 2-0 lead and Quentel followed with a two-run homer to left center to extend the margin to 4-0.
Senior pitcher Cailey Slade (17-0) came in and retired the side with back-to-back strikeouts and pop fly to third baseman Domiana English. Slade allowed two hits and no runs with three strikeouts in four innings.
Forney left four runners on base all game long.
But the Jackrabbits did put some offense together in the top of the seventh. Ryann Harris doubled to left and advanced to third on a single from English. Ashlyn Oscars drove in Harris with an RBI sac fly to center, but Quentel got the next two batters out.
This was Forney’s first year in Class 6A as the Jackrabbits took the championship in District 10-6A over the likes of Rockwall, Rockwall-Heath, Royse City and North Forney.
Forney lost Game 1 against Denton Guyer in the state semis before coming back to take the series – which included three runs in the top of the eighth to win Game 3, 6-3. The Jackrabbits beat Tomball 4-1 in a one-game regional final.
Coach Pat Eitel graduates a loaded 2025 class with 11 seniors – five starters – including Slade (Bossier Parrish CC), Daniels (North Texas) and Boren (East Texas Baptist). Anley Hewitt will continue her career at Southeastern Oklahoma State in Durant while Savanna Villrreal is headed to Howard College in San Angelo.
