Melissa beats Harlingen South, 8-0, in 5A state title game

AUSTIN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Melissa softball team beat Harlingen South, 8-0, to capture the 5A state championship.

Melissa led 4-0 after the third inning.

The Cardinals extended their lead to 7-0 in the fifth inning when University of Texas commit Caigan Crabtree hit a two-run home run.

Crabtree hit another home run in the seventh inning to make it 8-0.

Harlingen South became the first team from the Rio Grande Valley to make an appearance in a UIL softball state championship game.

"It's not easy to play for me," said Harlingen South softball coach Joey Rios. "It's not. I run a tight ship. At the end of the day, they respect it and they now it pays off. It got us here. I'm not going to change my ways. At end of day, I'm thankful for them willing to and wanting to. It's been, all of this is a first. I'd never been to Sweet 16. Never been to Elite 8, Final Four. and now I'm here at the state championship game. All glory to God. But at end of day, it's been a phenomenal ride."

Weslaco also reached the state title game in 6A.

The Pantherettes are playing against Waco Midway.

Midway is up 4-2 in the second inning.