After several close calls as a regional finalist, Maud makes its debut in the UIL’s Class A State Softball tournament at 11 a.m. today in Austin against 2007 runner-up Shiner on the University of Texas’ McCombs Field.

Maud (25-10) earned its first trip to the state capital in softball by finishing second to Detroit in District 18 and posting a perfect 6-0 record in the playoffs to win Region III.

Shiner, however, is making an eighth appearance at state, having won in 2001 and 2002.

The Class A tournament begins at 8:30 a.m. when defending champion Bosquevill...