In a thrilling playoff opener, Denton Guyer's ace pitcher Finley Montgomery delivered a masterclass performance, tying her own school record with her 27th victory of the season. The Wildcats defeated top-ranked Keller 4-1 on Wednesday evening at Lady Dragon Field in Southlake, taking the first game of their best-of-three Class 6A Division II regional semifinal series.

Montgomery, a Notre Dame signee, was absolutely dominant on the mound. She struck out 11 batters and held Keller to just three hits—all singles. What makes her performance even more impressive is that she retired the final 13 batters she faced, shutting down any hope of a Keller comeback. "Every year some doubt us," Montgomery said. "Each season is different, but this team always has competitors."

Guyer coach Keith Medford praised his star pitcher's focus. "Finley was locked in tonight," he said. "Keller is a great team and I knew we had our hands full. We still have work to do, that's the point I made with the girls after the game."

The Wildcats, ranked No. 31 nationally by MaxPreps and No. 2 in the Texas Girls Coaches Association 6A-DII state poll, improved to 33-2 on the season. This is a team with championship pedigree—they were state semifinalists the past two years and a state finalist in 2023. Meanwhile, Keller (26-11-1), ranked No. 1 in the TGCA 6A-DII state poll, is no stranger to big moments, with eight state tournament appearances and four state championships to their name.

Guyer's offense got started early. In the first inning, shortstop Olivia "O.G." Green delivered a base hit to center field to drive in the game's first run. A wild pitch later in the inning plated the second run, giving Guyer a quick 2-0 lead. Montgomery and Madison Joyner started the rally with a walk and a single, respectively.

Keller showed fight in the third inning, snapping Guyer's seven-game shutout streak. After an intentional walk to Texas Tech recruit Sydona Meiser, cleanup hitter Landry Beaman came through with a two-out RBI single to center field, cutting the deficit to 2-1. Cambree Cribbs, who had two of Keller's three hits, singled with one out, advanced to second on Mackenna Jackson's bunt, and stole third base to put herself in scoring position.

But Guyer answered back. An RBI double to right-center field extended their lead, and they never looked back. The win sets up a pivotal Game 2, scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday in Southlake. If a third game is needed, it will be played at 6 p.m. Friday at the same location.

For softball fans, this series is a must-watch clash between two powerhouse programs. Guyer's pitching and defense have been nearly impenetrable, while Keller's tradition of excellence means they'll be hungry to bounce back. Game on.