Fresh off a 19-13 campaign, runner-up finish in District 6-4A, and a trip to the third round of the playoffs – matching the deepest postseason run since the 2016 squad advanced to the state tournament – the Brownwood Lady Lions are looking to make even more noise in 2026 as the softball regular season begins Monday.

The Lady Lions will play host to Fredericksburg at 5:30 p.m. Monday, but head coach Cherita Munguia’s squad will have a drastically different compared to the 2025 season finale.

“We made the regional semifinals last year against Dumas and that was uncharted territory for a lot of these girls,” Munguia said. “What we’re trying to do at Brownwood, on the girls side especially, is get that winners’ mentality and that doesn’t happen if we’re not winning. I’ve heard the word ‘fluke’ in some areas, and we’re working to make sure no one thinks of any of these girls or this program as a fluke. Everyone’s going to say this is a rebuilding season because I did lose five seniors, but I don’t like that word, either, so we’re planning to build upon the foundation that the girls before them have created, and we also bring back a few starters. Once we get to district everyone will see that the foundation is still there and we’re still building toward the regional semifinals and surpassing it.”

Among the returnees for Brownwood are senior third baseman Carlee Burks, junior pitcher Kaydence Allen, junior shortstop Hanah Campos, junior utility player Lila Mares, outfielder Maitlyn Esquivel and utility player Nevaeh Perez.

“Carlee’s going to be involved a lot with Ag at the beginning of the season, but Kaydence is back and struck out over 200 batters last season,” Munguia said. “Hanah played shortstop for us last year and may play some outfield, but she’s our vocal leader. Lila has one of the most consistent bats I’ve ever seen. Maitlyn played left field for us last year and Nevaeh will have a bigger role this year.”

Newcomers to the varsity roster include seniors Kiara Delce, Eboni Baker, and Kaylee Johnson, sophomore catcher and infielder Amarrea Thomas, and freshmen pitcher Brenda Allen, outfielder Adyn Lucus, and utility player Audrey Keas.

“The three seniors bring something you can’t teach,” Munguia said. “They’re light-hearted, cheer on everybody, and they’re consistently talking and bringing energy. They’re also track girls and they’re going to help us get around the bases faster. Amarrea is a catcher and an infielder and is playing JV basketball right now, but we’re excited to have her and can’t wait to see what she brings to the program. The three freshmen, I’ve watched them with their hands on the fence line for many years waiting to get on the field and we’re to that point now. These girls have been watching and now it’s their time.”

Following Monday’s opener, the Lady Lions have games against Coleman, San Angelo Central, Llano, Gatesville, and San Angelo Lake View, as well as tournament appearances at Killeen, Llano and at home before District 6-4A action begins at Glen Rose March 17.

“Before we get to district we have to make sure we’re consistent in the lineup,” Munguia said. “I’ve never seen anyone win a softball game 0-0, so we have to make sure we’re hitting the ball consistently against different velocities. Each pitcher in our district brings something different. We also have to capitalize from one batter to the next, so if someone gets on base it’s got to be the next girl’s job behind her to move her around, and own that.”

Regarding the District 6-4A race, Munguia said, “Brock is always the team we’re after. They still have an excellent pitcher but lost their catcher, and their bats are hot. The team to look out for is Stephenville. We have a lot of good talent coming in the next couple of years and this year, and Stephenville is right there with us with that, so we’ll have to watch them closely. Every year it’s the same thing in this district, it’s going to be a dog fight and that’s been proven. If we can take care of Stephenville and test Brock, we’ll have to do that to win a district championship. I think the girls can do it, but we have to take it one game at a time.”

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Brownwood Lady Lions

2026 Varsity Softball Schedule

F9	Fredericksburg	5:30 p.m.
F12-14	at Killeen tournament	TBA
F17	Coleman	7 p.m.
F19-21	Brownwood tournament	TBA
F24	at San Angelo Central	6:30 p.m.
F26-28	at Llano tournament, TBA
M3	Llano	7 p.m.
M6	Gatesville	7 p.m.
M13	San Angelo Lake View	7 p.m.
M17	at Glen Rose *	6:30 p.m.
M20	Mineral Wells *	6:30 p.m.
M24	Stephenville *	6:30 p.m.
M27	at Graham *	6:30 p.m.
M31	Brock *	6:30 p.m.
A2	Glen Rose *	6:30 p.m.
A7	at Mineral Wells *	6:30 p.m.
A10	at Stephenville *	6:30 p.m.
A15	Graham *	6:30 p.m.
A18	at Brock *	1:30 p.m.

* District 6-4A Games