High Schools, Soccer

Pieper wins another playoff classic over Liberty Hill, advances on PKs

By Michael Adams
Austin Sports Journal

Liberty Hill’s Maggie Giessinger (6) collides with Caroline Lyons (3) of Pieper as she passes the ball during a UIL girls soccer Class 5A Division II bi-district playoff on Friday, March 20, 2026 at Tiger Stadium in Dripping Springs, Texas. (Michael Adams/Austin Sports Journal)

DRIPPING SPRINGS — In a playoff rivalry that regularly delivers drama, Comal Pieper and Liberty Hill added another chapter Friday night at Tiger Stadium.

After a back-and-forth 3-3 battle that stretched across 100 minutes, Pieper’s Ella Hill delivered the final blow, converting a sudden-death penalty kick past Liberty Hill goalkeeper Sarah Hagerty to send the Warriors into the next round of the UIL Class 5A Division II girls soccer playoffs.

It likely marked the final chapter of one of the state’s top girls soccer playoff rivalries, as Pieper (15-4-4) moves up to Class 6A next season.

Friday’s bi-district playoff marked the third time the programs have met in the first round — and for the second straight year, it required extra time to decide a winner.

Pieper controlled possession in the first half, limiting Liberty Hill (16-8-1) to just two shots on goal.

The Warriors struck first when Ashtyn Hubert converted a penalty kick with 36:34 remaining in the first half. Liberty Hill answered as Kylee Williams scored the equalizer with 24:32 left.

Hubert delivered again for the Warriors, scoring her second goal of the half on an assist from Hill at the 11:32 mark to give Pieper a 2-1 lead at halftime.

Pieper’s Ashtyn Hubert (11) traps the ball to keep away Faith Romney (17) of Liberty Hill during a UIL girls soccer Class 5A Division II bi-district playoff on Friday, March 20, 2026 at Tiger Stadium in Dripping Springs, Texas. (Michael Adams/Austin Sports Journal)

Pieper extended its lead early in the second half when Skylar Carter scored on an assist from Reese Williamson, pushing the advantage to 3-1.

But Liberty Hill refused to go away.

Faith Romney pulled the Panthers within one with 14:52 remaining, sparking a late push. Behind a resilient defensive effort and a standout performance from Hagerty, Liberty Hill held firm and forced the match into penalty kicks.

In the shootout, both teams traded conversions in a tightly contested battle. Kinley Smith, Caroline Lyons, Skylar Carter, Ashtyn Hubert and Makenzie Bushur each converted for Pieper before Hill delivered the decisive shot.

More photos

With the win, Pieper improves to 2-1 all-time against Liberty Hill in first-round playoff matchups — games that have often served as a springboard to deep postseason runs, frequently ending in the regional finals.

Despite the loss, Hagerty turned in one of the night’s top performances, making several key saves to keep Liberty Hill within striking distance against a high-powered Pieper attack.

Pieper advances to the area round and will face San Antonio MacArthur (13-8-3).

Support more coverage like this by subscribing to the Austin Sports Journal

More coverage