GAMES
RANKINGS
In their 2nd-straight appearance at State, Kingwood eyes its first-ever championship
THE FINAL INNINGS: 2025 UIL State Softball Preview -- Kingwood v. Forney (6A-D2)
Two of the state’s premier softball programs will collide Saturday afternoon (1:00 PM), as Kingwood and Forney meet in the UIL Class 6A-Division II State Final at Red & Charline McCombs Field on the University of Texas campus.
Kingwood (33-4-1) returns to the State Tournament for the second straight year and fifth time in program history.
Under the guidance of second-year head coach Christa Williams-Yates, the Mustangs have surged through the playoffs, most recently sweeping Dripping Springs in the semifinals. After a 7-1 win in Game 1, they closed the series with a dominant 16-6 run-rule victory in Game 2.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Senior catcher and Virginia Tech-signee Mia Gagliardi was nearly unstoppable in the series, racking up nine RBIs with two home runs and two doubles. Leilani Garcia added a crucial three-run shot to help punch Kingwood’s ticket to Austin.
With standout players like Stanford-bound shortstop Addyson Sheppard and sophomore ace Hunter Quentel, Kingwood is eyeing its first-ever state title.
The Mustangs also boast key depth in the form of sophomore first baseman Kendall Yates, junior utility player Frei Pizzaro, and senior outfielder Abella Mata—each of whom brings poise to a well-rounded squad.
Forney (34-2-1) enters the championship with momentum of its own.
The Jackrabbits outlasted Dripping Springs in a three-game semifinal series, sealing the deal with a 6-3 win in Game 3.
This marks Forney’s sixth all-time appearance at State and their first since 2019. They captured their only title in 2018 with a 4-1 win over Foster.
Veteran head coach Pat Eitel leads a senior-heavy roster with college talent across the board.
Pitcher/first baseman Cailey Slade (Bossier Parish CC), third baseman Savanna Villarreal (Howard College), shortstop Eva Daniels (North Texas), second baseman Emma Boren (East Texas Baptist), and first baseman Ashlyn Oscars (Austin College) provide experience and production.
Additionally, freshman catcher Ryann Harris adds a spark behind the plate.
With both programs carrying strong regular-season resumes and playoff-tested rosters, Saturday’s final promises a competitive, high-energy showdown with a state title on the line.
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VYPE Media And Texas Volleyball Insider Announce Exciting Partnership to Elevate Volleyball Coverage Across Texas
VYPE Media and Texas Volleyball Insider (TVI) are thrilled to announce a dynamic new partnership aimed at delivering the most comprehensive and impactful volleyball coverage across the state of Texas. From rankings to features to instruction, this partnership will be all-encompassing — shining a spotlight on the athletes, programs, and stories that define Texas volleyball.
Texas Volleyball Insider shared the following statement:
"Texas Volleyball Insider is excited to announce our powerful new partnership with VYPE, which perfectly aligns with our mission to elevate volleyball. When Michael and I founded TVI, our goal was to create transformative opportunities for student female athletes. With this dynamic collaboration with VYPE, we are poised to expand our vision and reach countless deserving young women."
— Michael Kane (Founder and CEO) | Travis A. Burris (President and COO), TVI
VYPE Media echoed the enthusiasm:
"Volleyball is a huge market, and there is so much interest in the sport at the high school level. Everything is bigger in Texas, right? There are so many great players and storylines that need to be told — and we want to tell them statewide. This partnership will also allow high school programs to properly market their teams as well."
— Derek Dusek (CEO, VYPE Media) | Matt Malatesta (Co-Founder, Chief Content Officer, VYPE)
Together, VYPE and TVI are committed to expanding coverage, creating new opportunities, and inspiring the next generation of female athletes through storytelling, rankings, highlights, and expert-driven content. Fans, coaches, and athletes alike can look forward to a new era of volleyball media in Texas.
Follow both on all of their social media channels.