22-06-2025
Lady Zebras prepare for state championship game
The path to Grandview softball's first state championship comes down to one game. A meeting with Whitesboro Thursday night at Red & Charline McCombs Field in Austin determines the 3A Div. I champion, the final hurdle that has evaded the Lady Zebras the past two seasons.
Jaley James experienced the state semifinal loss to Santa Gertrudis Academy in 2023 and a heartbreaking state title loss in extra innings to Coahoma in 2024.
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Now, after walking the stage Friday, James plays in her last game in a Grandview uniform with one more opportunity to call herself a state champion.
'This is my one last chance to make history, leave my mark on Grandview and do this with my teammates,' said James.
The sisterhood of the Lady Zebras has only grown stronger over the past three years, James noted. Through the defeats and Grandview's undefeated 2025 postseason, the shortstop is seeking revenge entering Thursday's contest and lives by the program's motto — stay the course.
'If we jump off ship or go in the wrong direction, our mind gets away from the state title,' said James. 'We have to stay focused, locked in and if we can do that, we'll be state champions.'
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In Tuesday morning practice, the team kept it simple with catching and batting off a pitching machine. Despite the heat bearing down, Grandview didn't take the practice lightly.
KJ Hubbard and Kylie Grafa pummelled balls passed the wall and Sydney Mann made diving catches in centerfield, reassuring James that her squad is ready.
'I believe in every single player on this team that they can hit that game-winning run or diving catch to win the game.'
Along with the many seniors hoping to covet a title, much of the Lady Zebras success and potential to make this the year is the work of underclassmen such as Madi Doty and freshman catcher Kenna Collins.
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Although being a newcomer to the roster, Collins' relationship with much of the team was already established because of Codi, Kenna's sister. Kenna attended Codi's basketball games and grew a bond with the Lady Zebras.
'When they didn't get that trophy, you could see the defeat,' said Kenna about watching Grandview's past two seasons. 'You could see the passion that they wanted it.'
Once she joined the team, Kenna easily fit into a squad on a mission.
'I know my teammates want it, so I'm gonna want it as well,' said Kenna. 'It makes me want to work and do my best to help them. Even if I'm down and it's not my day at the plate, they're always like 'Kenna, you got it.' They're always positive even when I'm not positive to myself.'
With a win on Thursday night, Kenna would consider that a perfect freshman year season. For James, she's ready to leave it all out on the field. If the Lady Zebras win, James believes the first thing she'll do is run straight for her teammates, who have supported her no matter what.
