The magical ride for the Dumas Demonettes came to an emotional close Saturday, but not before the program cemented itself among the elite teams in Texas Class 4A softball.
Dumas entered the UIL Class 4A Division I state semifinals with history already in hand. The Demonettes became the first Texas Panhandle program since the 2017 Canyon Lady Eagles to reach the final four, and for a moment, the dream of playing for a state championship looked well within reach.
After taking the opening game of the best-of-three series against Prosper Richland, Dumas stood one win away from Austin. Instead, Richland responded with back-to-back victories at Lady Pirate Field in Lubbock-Cooper, ending the Demonettes’ remarkable season with 4-2 and 7-6 wins.
Even in defeat, Dumas finished with an unforgettable 36-4-1 record and established itself as one of the most explosive offenses in the country. The Demonettes closed the year with 100 team home runs, a staggering milestone that reflected the power, depth and confidence of the lineup from top to bottom.
The series began exactly how Dumas envisioned. In Wednesday’s opener at Iowa Park, the Demonettes controlled the pace in a 4-1 victory behind timely hitting and dominant pitching. Vida Fierro doubled to ignite the offense before Madi Zubia crushed a two-run homer to give Dumas control. Aaliyah Chairez added a multi-hit performance, while Yari Vargas, Star Cortes and Mia Fry each contributed key hits.
Inside the circle, Cortes delivered another strong postseason outing, limiting Richland to just one run while keeping the Raiders off balance throughout the night.
Game two started with the same energy. Dumas jumped ahead 2-0 after Cortes ripped a two-run double, and the crowd sensed momentum shifting toward a series-clinching victory. Richland, however, answered with four runs in the third inning and never surrendered control.
Despite the loss, Cortes and Vargas continued to shine offensively with multiple doubles, while the Demonettes repeatedly threatened on the bases. Richland pitcher Sam Riley managed to escape several jams, forcing a decisive third game.
For several innings Saturday night, it looked like Dumas would complete the mission.
The Demonettes stormed ahead 5-0 behind aggressive baserunning, disciplined at-bats and another monster performance from Cortes, who finished with three doubles and three RBIs. Zubia added another historic moment when she launched a towering solo home run over the center-field fence, marking the team’s 100th homer of the season.
But Richland refused to fold.
The Raiders chipped away with a four-run fourth inning before eventually taking the lead late with clutch situational hitting. Dumas had one final opportunity to extend the game, but the bats fell silent as shifting winds and approaching weather added tension to the dramatic finish.
Even after the final out, the atmosphere reflected what this team meant to the community. The stands overflowed with orange and black as Dumas supporters traveled in massive numbers to back a team that inspired the entire Panhandle.
More importantly, this season may prove to be the beginning of something bigger. The senior class helped establish a culture that elevated the program statewide and energized the next generation of players in Dumas. From Little League diamonds to packed playoff stadiums, the Demonettes gave their hometown a season that will be remembered for years.
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