Hahnville Tigers Capture State Softball Title in Stunning Walk-Off Win
Hahnville emerged victorious in a heart-pounding Division I non-select state softball championship, defeating Live Oak 6-5 with a two-out, walk-off single by Jordyn Chaix to seal the title Sunday in Sulphur.
The No. 8 seed Tigers (24-12) battled back in a seesaw contest, with star player Rylee Villasenor powering Hahnville early and late, launching two home runs and driving in five key runs. Villasenor, named the tournament’s Outstanding Player, ignited the Tigers’ offense throughout the game.
Walk-off Heroics Spark Championship Celebration
With the game tied 5-5 in the bottom of the seventh, Villasenor stood at first base—intentionally walked to set the stage. Up next, Chaix battled through the count and delivered a clutch single to the outfield. Villasenor sprinted home, narrowly scoring on a dramatic play at the plate, sending the Hahnville dugout into jubilation.
“I was not stopping on the game-winning run,” Villasenor said reflecting on the moment. “This is once in a lifetime. Not everyone can say they made it to Sulphur and even fewer can say they won it all there.”
Chaix kept her focus and trusted her teammate’s speed. “When I saw Rylee rounding third, I had so much faith in her,” Chaix said. “Walking to the plate, I knew I had a big job to do… I’m so excited for everyone on our team.”
Coach Duplantis Secures Second State Title in Three Seasons
This championship marks Jeremy Duplantis’ second state crown as a head coach, leading Hahnville to its first state softball title since 2011. Duplantis previously guided Vandebilt Catholic to a Division II select crown in 2024. His approach focused on mental toughness, shaped by a demanding schedule against top state teams.
“Our strength of schedule prepared us mentally for this moment,” Duplantis said. “Every time Live Oak scored, our girls came back fired up, ready to take the bat. That resilience got us here.”
Early Explosions and Late Drama Define Title Game
The championship game started with a flurry of runs as Live Oak took an early 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning. However, Hahnville responded immediately. Villasenor’s first home run cleared the bases, swinging the lead to Hahnville at 3-2.
After a mid-game stalemate, Live Oak tied the game at 3-3 in the fifth, but Villasenor quickly answered with a second towering home run that pushed the Tigers ahead 5-3. Live Oak rallied in the sixth to knot the score 5-5, setting up the thrilling seventh-inning finish.
What’s Next for Hahnville
The Tigers now hold the state crown in front of an enthused fan base, with their head coach and players savoring a hard-earned victory. This championship highlights not only Hahnville’s talent but also the intense competitiveness in high school softball across the region.
As the team returns home, celebrations will continue while the players and coaching staff prepare for future challenges, aiming to build on this historic win and solidify Hahnville’s place among the state’s elite programs.
For fans keeping score, Hahnville’s gritty performance and Villasenor’s standout ability delivered a once-in-a-lifetime moment in Sulphur, unforgettable for the Tigers and their supporters.
