Lake Belton lands multiples on All-State softball team

June 26, 2025

By Clay Whittington

The Belton Journal

Lake Belton delivered another historic season on the softball diamond, and while it did not result in the program’s first state championship, the Lady Broncos did not go unnoticed.

After making its debut at the University Interscholastic League Class 5A State Tournament a year ago, Lake Belton was on the verge of returning, but eventual champion Melissa eliminated the Lady Broncos in the regional final.

The ultimate goal was to be celebrated as a team following the season’s final game, hoisting a trophy signifying their collective dominance, and although it did not materialize, Lake Belton’s individual talents could not be denied.

Multiple players were recently recognized for their contributions by landing on all-state teams. Maddison Ruiz received some of

the loftiest accolades by earning spots on the Blue Bell/Texas Sports Writers Association All-State Second Team and the Texas Girls Coaches Association All-State Team.

The senior pitcher, who is entering her freshman season at Angelo State, was also named 16-5A All-District Most Valuable Player after producing both offensively and defensively. During the Lady Broncos’ undefeated run to the district title, Ruiz had a .567 batting average with 16 RBIs and four home runs, while striking out 74 batters and allowing only one earned run en route to a 6-0 record on the mound.

Additionally, she was one of only 15 players placed on the Texas High School Coaches Association Class 5A Super Elite Team.

Ruiz was joined on the TGCA’s 50-player list by teammates Alexis Ortiz and Madison Perkins, who were each critical to the team’s success throughout the season.

Ortiz, a senior shortstop, was the all-district offensive player of the year prior to garnering her most recent honors. She had a .594 batting average with 20 runs scored, 19 hits, 16 RBIs and 11 stolen bases during league play.

Ortiz is committed to play collegiately at Trinity Valley.

Perkins, a sophomore outfielder, was the all-district defensive player of

the year with a perfect fielding percentage. Furthermore, she delivered offensively, posting a .704 batting average highlighted by 19 hits, 13 RBIs and 13 stolen bases.

The Lady Broncos finished the season with a 35-4 overall record, losing only twice before being eliminated by Melissa in a best-of-three series, and for the campaign, they outscored the opposition 320-79.