Hahnville crowns season with unforgettable walk-off to claim state softball championship
Hahnville Tigers secured their first state softball crown since 2011 in a heart-stopping 6-5 victory over Live Oak Sunday, powered by a clutch walk-off single from Jordyn Chaix and a monster day from Rylee Villasenor, who slammed two home runs and drove in five runs.
The thrilling Division I non-select state championship showdown at Sulphur unfolded with drama from the first inning, as Live Oak jumped to an early 2-0 lead. But Hahnville fought back fiercely, led by Villasenor’s bases-clearing homer to take the lead in the first inning. Hahnville’s resilience kept the game tied or ahead until the final moment when Chaix came through with two outs and Villasenor on first after an intentional walk.
Chaix’s single to the outfield sent Villasenor sprinting home, sliding in just ahead of a close play at the plate to ignite wild celebrations from the Tigers’ dugout. Villasenor earned the tournament’s Outstanding Player award for her immense impact throughout the day.
“I was not stopping on the game-winning run,” Villasenor said. “This is once in a lifetime. Not everyone can say they made it here and even fewer can say they won it all. To return to Hahnville as champions, I can’t even describe it.”
Head Coach Jeremy Duplantis praised the mental toughness of his team, especially coming back from setbacks during their season and facing top-tier opponents. “Every time Live Oak scored, our girls came off the field ready to battle even harder,” Duplantis said. “Our demanding schedule prepared us for this exact moment.”
The game’s intensity remained high throughout. Live Oak tied the game at 5-5 in the sixth inning with two RBI singles capitalizing on walks, but Hahnville’s pitching held steady in the final inning. Then in the bottom of the seventh, Villasenor and Chaix delivered the championship-winning blows.
Hahnville, seeded eighth in the tournament with a 24-12 record, overcame the odds and pressure to secure their championship. This victory marks Coach Duplantis’ second state title in three seasons, after previously guiding Vandebilt Catholic to the Division II select crown.
Chaix reflected on the pressure-packed moment: “I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. When I saw Rylee rounding third, I had complete faith she’d score. I focused on staying strong and working the count. I’m so excited for our team.”
This championship run will be remembered for its display of clutch hitting, resilience, and teamwork, standing as a highlight in high school softball across the region and a beacon for student-athletes dreaming of glory.
Fans and followers should stay tuned for more detailed accounts and player interviews coming throughout the evening. Hahnville’s triumph today isn’t just a win; it’s a statement — champions forged in pressure and determination.
