TAHLEQUAH LADY TIGERS FASTPITCH SOFTBALL 2026

Coach: CHRIS RAY

32-7-1

Few programs in Class 5A have matched Tahlequah’s consistency in recent years, and the Lady Tigers believe last season’s state semifinal appearance was only the beginning for a roster that grew up in a hurry.

Despite relying on five freshmen during their 2025 state tournament run, Tahlequah finished 32-7-1 and gained valuable experience that should pay dividends this fall. Now entering his ninth season at the helm, head coach Chris Ray welcomes back eight starters from that semifinal squad, giving the Lady Tigers one of the most experienced lineups in Class 5A.

The foundation begins in the circle, where Tahlequah boasts one of the state’s deepest pitching staffs. Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year Zoie Griffin headlines the group after a dominant junior campaign. The Texas A&M commit went 20-3 with 301 strikeouts and a 0.771 ERA in 154.33 innings while also hitting .413 with 47 RBIs. Griffin is joined by Alix Kimble, giving Tahlequah the kind of pitching depth capable of carrying a team through the postseason.

The lineup is equally dangerous thanks to a sophomore class that already has postseason experience. Shortstop Lilly Garcia burst onto the scene as a freshman, batting .438 with a 1.143 OPS while stealing more than 40 bases. Her athleticism also produced a .974 fielding percentage, making her a standout defender up the middle. Alongside Garcia, second baseman Rylee Stark hit .393, stole 16 bases and struck out only four times in 86 at-bats, consistently putting pressure on opposing defenses.

Behind the plate, junior catcher Addie Davis provides leadership and stability for the pitching staff. An Arkansas-Monticello commit, Davis has started all but one varsity game over the past two seasons while managing six different pitchers and posting a .992 fielding percentage. She also hit .264 with a .707 OPS and threw out 23 percent of attempted base stealers.

A demanding non-district schedule will test Tahlequah throughout the regular season, but that challenge is by design. With an experienced core, standout pitching and a roster that already knows what it takes to compete on the state’s biggest stage, the Lady Tigers enter 2026 expecting to once again be among the top contenders in Class 5A.

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