AUSTIN—On paper fourth-ranked Liberty-Eylau appears to be facing a stacked deck going into the UIL’s 3A State Softball tournament at McCombs Field.

The Lady Leopards make their debut in the state tournament at 8:30 a.m. against defending champion Castroville Medina Valley (34-7). The winner earns the right to play top-ranked Burkburnett (33-5) or third-ranked Huntington (28-3) for the title at 2 p.m. on Saturday.

The Devilettes and Lady Bulldogs played Thursday night.

“We’re the only team that wasn’t here last year,” L-E coach Todd Tipton said. “I guess it’s...