Brazoswood fell short in its pursuit of a second UIL girls water polo state championship, losing to Lewisville Hebron 10-8 in Saturday's Class 6A final at Josh Davis Natatorium in San Antonio.
The Buccaneers finished their season 32-3, with all three losses coming against Hebron, which finished 28-0 and captured its first state title. Brazoswood previously lost to the Hawks 8-6 and 9-5 during the regular season.
Coached by Robert Brown, the Buccaneers were making their fifth consecutive state tournament appearance and seeking their first championship since winning the 2024 title.
Saturday's final featured six ties, and neither team led by more than two goals at any point during the match. Brazoswood pulled within 9-8 on a goal from senior attacker Larissa Bracken with 4:15 remaining, but Hebron sophomore attacker Lauren Waggoner scored with 2:41 left to provide the final margin.
Hawks senior goalkeeper Amber Cho was named the championship game's most valuable player after making 13 saves and helping Hebron keep Brazoswood scoreless over the final four minutes of the contest.
Larissa Bracken led the Buccaneers with three goals, and Therese Braun scored twice. Hope Kadlecik, Sierra Bracken and Kesleigh Corn added one goal apiece, while Claire Crisp made seven saves.
Braun opened the scoring just 24 seconds into the first quarter before Hebron answered with three consecutive goals from Abi Cho. Sierra Bracken and Larissa Bracken scored in the final 34 seconds of the period to tie the game at 3. Corn converted a penalty shot to put Brazoswood ahead 4-3 in the second quarter, but Hebron's Ryann Renfroe answered to send the teams into halftime tied at 4-4.
The Buccaneers erased three one-goal deficits in the third quarter. Kadlecik tied the game at 5-5, Larissa Bracken converted a penalty shot to make it 6-6, and Braun pulled Brazoswood even again at 7-7. Kinnick Kooken scored with 1:12 remaining in the period to give Hebron the lead for good.
Renfroe extended the Hawks' advantage to 9-7 with 4:32 left in the fourth quarter. Larissa Bracken responded 17 seconds later before Waggoner scored the game's final goal. Abi Cho and Renfroe each had three goals for Hebron.
Brazoswood reached the championship game with a 15-11 victory over Foster in Friday's semifinals, breaking a 5-5 halftime tie with seven unanswered goals in the third quarter. Larissa Bracken finished with a game-high eight goals. Clara Bracken, Sierra Bracken and Corn added two apiece, while Kadlecik contributed a goal and two assists. Braun had four assists and four steals, Corn added three assists, and Crisp made 13 saves.
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There’s more to Houston with the Chronicle. Subscribe today for just 25¢.This article originally published at Brazoswood girls finish as water polo state runners-up with championship loss to Hebron.