4A DI State Champs: Bullard Lady Panthers
admin | May 29th, 2026
AUSTIN — For the first time in program history, the Bullard Lady Panthers can call themselves state champions.
Making the school’s first-ever appearance in a UIL softball state championship game, Bullard rose to the occasion Friday morning at Red & Charline McCombs Field, defeating Prosper Richland 3-0 to capture the UIL Class 4A Division I State Championship.
Behind a dominant complete-game shutout from State Championship Game MVP Brooklyn Brannen and timely offense from Emery Baker, the Lady Panthers completed a historic season and delivered the first softball state title in school history.
The moment was years in the making for a Bullard program that had never previously reached the state championship game. When the final out settled into a glove, the Lady Panthers had accomplished something no team in program history had ever done before.
As they had throughout the postseason, Bullard leaned on its senior leader in the circle.
Brannen was sensational from the opening pitch, limiting Prosper Richland to just two hits while striking out nine and allowing only one walk in a complete-game shutout. The senior threw 92 pitches, 66 for strikes, and never allowed Prosper Richland to mount a serious scoring threat. Her championship performance earned her MVP honors and the 28th victory of her outstanding season.
Bullard wasted little time getting on the scoreboard.
In the bottom of the first inning, Kirstin Malone reached base and eventually crossed home plate on a sacrifice fly by Kenzi Roberts, giving the Lady Panthers an early 1-0 advantage.
With Brannen dealing in the circle, one run felt significant.
The decisive moment came in the fourth inning.
Payton Walker and Karter Swanson reached base to set the table before senior third baseman Emery Baker delivered the biggest hit of the game. Baker lined a double into the left-center field gap, scoring both runners and extending Bullard’s lead to 3-0.
Those would be the only three runs Bullard would need.
Despite collecting only three hits as a team, the Lady Panthers capitalized on their opportunities. Bullard advanced runners effectively, drew five walks, and delivered the timely hits that championship games often require. Baker finished 1-for-2 with the two-run double and two RBIs, while Walker and Swanson each scored a run.
Meanwhile, Bullard’s defense was flawless.
The Lady Panthers did not commit an error and turned every opportunity into an out. Prosper Richland managed just two hits all afternoon, both coming from Justyce Malone, who finished 2-for-3. No other Prosper Richland player recorded a hit.
Prosper Richland closed an outstanding season with a 35-9 record and earned its place in Austin through a remarkable playoff run. But on this day, Bullard controlled the game from start to finish.
The Lady Panthers finished the season 37-7-1 and forever etched their names into school history.
For Bullard seniors Brannen, Baker, Roberts, Malone, and the rest of the championship core, the final chapter could not have been written any better. The Lady Panthers reached the state tournament for the first time, played in the state championship game for the first time, and won the state championship for the first time.
History was made in Austin.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | ||
| Richland | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | |
| Bullard | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
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Top Performers
Bullard
• Brooklyn Brannen (MVP): 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K
• Emery Baker: 1-for-2, 2B, 2 RBI
• Kenzi Roberts: Sacrifice fly, RBI
• Payton Walker: 1-for-3, run scored
• Karter Swanson: 1-for-2, run scored
Prosper Richland
• Justyce Malone: 2-for-3
• Sam Riley: Strong defensive effort and complete offensive season leader
• Prosper Richland finished the year 35-9
