The door had been there for three straight seasons, standing stubbornly between the Dumas Demonettes and a trip to the state semifinals. Every spring, the Demonettes came close. Every spring, the breakthrough slipped away. This time, however, Dumas kicked the door down in emphatic fashion.
Facing familiar District 4-4A rival West Plains in a Class 4A Division I regional final showdown, the Demonettes delivered a statement performance in a best-of-three series at Comanche Softball Field in Amarillo. Dumas dominated from start to finish, rolling to 11-1 and 12-1 victories to secure the first state semifinal appearance in program history.
The sweep was the culmination of years of growth for a veteran-heavy Dumas squad that entered the postseason with unfinished business. Head coach Carlyn Tolleson’s team played with confidence, composure and explosive firepower throughout the series, improving to 35-2-1 overall.
Dumas wasted little time showing why it has become one of the hottest teams in Texas softball. After falling behind early in game one, the Demonettes answered with three runs in the third inning before erupting for eight more in the fifth to end the contest early. The offensive showcase continued in game two as Dumas built an early lead and later buried West Plains with an eight-run sixth inning.
The Demonettes’ bats have been relentless this postseason. Dumas has now outscored playoff opponents 130-14, a staggering margin fueled by power throughout the lineup. In the opener, Emarie Marquez, Mia Fry and Sofia Miramontes each blasted home runs, while Vida Fierro sparked the offense with two doubles. Game two featured another late barrage, highlighted by back-to-back home runs from Fierro and Madi Zubia that effectively sealed the victory.
While the offense grabs attention, ace pitcher Star Cortes remains the foundation of Dumas’ postseason run. Cortes controlled both games against West Plains, surrendering just two runs and eight hits across the series. Her ability to command the circle allowed the Demonettes to play loose and aggressive defensively while keeping pressure squarely on the Lady Wolves.
West Plains battled throughout the series despite the lopsided scores. Senior standout Jaylen Kaps delivered one of the team’s brightest moments with a solo home run in game two and also provided solid relief pitching to keep the Lady Wolves within striking distance for several innings. The Lady Wolves, who finished 27-13, reached the regional final for the first time in program history and showed the continued growth of a young program under head coach Lexi Velasquez.
The atmosphere throughout the series reflected just how meaningful the matchup had become for both communities. Packed stands, near triple-digit temperatures and a sea of orange, black and blue created a playoff environment worthy of the stakes.
Now, Dumas enters unfamiliar territory with momentum surging at the perfect time. The Demonettes are just three wins away from a state championship, and the confidence surrounding the program has never been higher. With experienced leadership, dominant pitching and a lineup capable of changing games in a single inning, Dumas suddenly looks like a team built not only to reach the state semifinals — but to finish the journey.
.jpg)
