Caney Lady Cougars Capture Third Straight Class A Slow-Pitch State Title
SHAWNEE, Okla. — The Caney Lady Cougars blasted their way to a thrilling 24-19 victory over Red Oak in the Class A Slow-Pitch State Championship this week, securing their third consecutive state title. The high-energy match unfolded on May 6 and ended with Caney overmatching the Red Oak squad in a fierce offensive showdown.
This championship game delivered relentless hitting and runs throughout the night, showcasing the Lady Cougars’ unstoppable offense. Senior standout Kaigan Ladd emphasized the contagious energy at the plate.
“Hitting is very contagious, and when multiple people on your team are hitting, it works its way through the lineup,”
Ladd said.
Senior Laynie Laymon expressed her elation following the decisive victory.
“It was amazing, especially to end the season like this, it’s what we wanted, and it’s what we got,”
Laymon affirmed. In the face of adversity, including the recent tornado that struck their community, senior Brooklyn Barnes credited their focus and resilience.
“After the tornado hit us, we just stayed really focused on what we needed to get done this season, and I’m just very grateful for this team that I have,”
Barnes said.
Coach Applauds Team’s Peak Performance on Championship Day
Head coach Jackie Dollarhide lauded the team’s performance, highlighting their intensity and unity on game day.
“We played as well as we could play today, for them to show up and play that well on a day that matters, you can’t be more proud of them,”
Dollarhide remarked.
“Whatever we did today, we need to bottle that up; they were jacked up, and they swung the heck out of it all day.”
The win in Shawnee, Oklahoma not only marks Caney’s dominance in Class A slow-pitch softball but also serves as an inspiring story of determination amid recent hardships. The Lady Cougars’ ability to maintain focus and deliver explosive offense under pressure has cemented their legacy in the state’s slow-pitch softball history.
With this third straight championship, Caney sets a high bar for competitors across the region and nationwide, demonstrating the impact of teamwork, discipline, and mental toughness. As the 2026 season closes, eyes will be on how other teams attempt to dethrone the reigning champions next year.
Montana and U.S. softball fans can look to Caney’s example as a testament to perseverance and excellence in youth sports, underscoring the excitement and emotional stakes slow-pitch softball continues to hold nationwide.
