For the past four seasons, the Lexington softball team has had a state championship within reach, but each year it has slipped through the team’s fingers. 

With two exits in the semifinal round and two title series losses, head coach Laurie Epps and the rest of the Wildcats are hoping 2026 is the year they finally get over the hump. 

“ It is just going to come to us putting every part of our game together, hitting, defense, pitching, base running. Everything's got to come together for us, and we're very capable of putting all those things together,” Epps said. “Now's the time that we have to step up and do that.”

Lexington last won the state championship in 2019. The team made it back to the title series in 2022 and 2024 before eventually losing. The Wildcats are attempting to make it back this year, following an impressive run in the regular season. 

The team finished the year (17-6) overall and (9-1) in region to earn a first-round bye. The Wildcats began their 2026 playoff run on Tuesday with a 12-2 win over River Bluff

It was the third meeting between the two teams this season. Lexington won both of the previous matchups to edge out the Gators for the region title. 

River Bluff gave the Wildcats a good scare in their second meeting, making Lexington earn the conference championship in a 16-15 eight-inning slugfest. 

The team adjusted well for the playoff meeting and never let River Bluff get into the game. 

 ”This team doesn't give up. I mean, they will, they fight till the very end,” Epps said. “They show a lot of grit and a lot of resiliency. We always talk about the next play and not worrying about what's already happened, but what's right there in the moment.”

To advance further in the playoffs, Epps said her team must have that same mentality the entire way. While winning the state championship is the ultimate goal, the team will approach every outing one game at a time. 

That approach will be spearheaded by a roster filled with both youthful and experienced players.

Leading the way for the Wildcats is multi-time All-State selection Livi Warren. She has five years of playing experience under her belt and is the team’s top hitting threat. 

“She has the experience, the mentality, and she's playing some really good softball right now,” Epps said. 

Warren is the only player on the team who played in each of the previous two state title losses. Payton Gonce and Mya Drennon are also consistent contributors who have been with the program for some of their previous playoff defeats. 

While some of their teammates might not have the experience, they do have the talent. 

Illyana Adams, Haley Rewis and Grace Fonseca have quickly carved an important role on the team as underclassmen. 

“ It's every night a different kid is stepping up for us,” Epps said. 

The team will look to continue its balanced effort in the postseason. Epps had the group test itself against some of the toughest competition in the state to prepare for this moment. 

In the 5A Division I tournament, there is little room for error. The bracket is double elimination until the semifinal round, where it shifts to a best-of-three series through the championship.

Lexington still hasn’t hit its top gear, Epps said. The group had to shake off some post-spring break rust, but has since started to settle back in. Now, she wants to see them reach their absolute peak when it matters most. 

“ We've had some ups and downs. I don't think we've played up to our potential as we should have,” she said. “ Hopefully, we're going to peak here and play our best ball heading into the playoffs.”