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STATE SEMIFINALS PREVIEW: Aledo softball is back at state and ready to avenge themselves
No stranger to the big stage, Aledo softball (33-2) is right back at it this season. As a three-time state champion and last season's state runner-up, the team is ready to put the crown right back on. First, they must make it through a tough UIL State Class 5A State Semifinal matchup against Georgetown (33-3). VYPE DFW takes a look into what fans can expect from this game.
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A Look Back
After finishing as the runner-up last season, the Lady Bearcats have made it a point to get right back to the state tournament this season. While taking down opponent after opponent and outscoring their opposing teams by a combined 318-61 this season, it's safe to say that the team is more than ready to continue their hot streak.
Aledo burst onto the scene this season with big wins over Decatur, Little Elm, and Flower Mound Marcus to start preseason play. In district play, the Lady Bearcats posted a perfect 10-0 district record to finish at the top of their district over the likes of Fort Worth Brewer, Granbury, Azle, and more. A team full of star-studded athletes like Marissa Powell, Macy Graf, Texas Ray, Regan Davis, Maddy Jarvis, Presley Hull, and Madysen Boutwell, the offense knows how to get things done from the plate and around the bases. Defensively, Ray, Allison Mallard, and Ana Flores have been nearly unmatchable this season. From the circle, Brenlee Gonzales, Nathalie Touchet, and Kayleigh Smith have been strong forces.
So far in playoffs, the Lady Bearcats have ended the seasons of Denton Ryan (14-3, 12-1), Mansfield Legacy (12-2, 13-1), Colleyville Heritage (4-1, 10-0), Abilene Wylie (14-2, 7-3), and Lubbock Monterey (8-2, 10-3). The team has been a force to be reckoned with and isn't ready to slow down without claiming another state title.
What To Expect
Georgetown is a really great team with really great athletes. They have the potential to be the toughest opponent that Aledo will face all season. With the ability to score fast, the team can set tones early in games. However, Aledo is no stranger to fast-paced play... especially at this level. Fans can expect Aledo to put in the work and read through all of Georgetown's attempts at taking a strong lead in order to get back to the state title game.
Playoffs Roundup PREVIEW: Bearcat baseball and softball represent Aledo deep in playoffs
The Dallas-Fort Worth area is rich with athletes who excel at their sport. As baseball and softball playoffs heat up, there are still some schools who have multiple teams that continue to inch closer and closer to state. One of those schools is Aledo as the Bearcats prepare to take on Abilene Wylie in the Regional Semifinals and the Lady Bearcats prepare to go up against Lubbock Monterey in the Regional Finals. VYPE DFW takes a deeper look at both teams' seasons so far and lays out what fans can expect in this week's round of playoffs for Aledo.
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Aledo Lady Bearcats Softball (31-2, 10-0) - Regional Finals
The Aledo Lady Bearcats ended their season in a heartbreaking fashion last year with a 4-1 playoffs loss against Barbers Hill. Coming into this season, the team regrouped and entered the preseason with a bang taking down opponent after opponent. Then, in district play, the Lady Bearcats continued their dominance with victories over Fort Worth Brewer, Wichita Falls Rider, Granbury, Azle, and more to finish district play with an undefeated district record.
In playoffs, the Lady Bearcats have shut down the attacks of Denton Ryan (14-3, 12-1), Mansfield Legacy (12-1, 13-1), Colleyville Heritage (4-1, 10-0), and Abilene Wylie (14-2, 7-3). The Lady Bearcats have outscored their opponents in playoffs by a combined 86-12.
Headed into the Regional finals on a 22 game win streak, the Lady Bearcats are more than prepared to take on Lubbock Monterey. Led by Macy Graf, Marissa Powell, Texas Ray, and others- the Lady Bearcats offense has been phenomenal not only at getting on base, but stealing and scoring as well. Fans can expect the team to play strategic offense in order to help the defense play without worrying.
Game one of the series is set to begin at 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 26th at Abilene Christian University with game two being set for 10 a.m on Friday at the same venue. If a game three is necessary, it will be played immediately following game two.
Aledo Bearcats Baseball (23-8, 7-2) - Regional Semifinals
The Bearcats played a tough season last year, but ultimately fell. After a focused off-season, with a goal of being at the top this season, the Bearcats pushed into preseason play ready to never go down without a fight. This season, Aledo has posted incredible wins over Southlake Carroll, Lubbock Cooper, Weatherford, South Grand Prairie, Mansfield Lake Ridge, and more. After successful district play, Aledo entered playoffs with a vengeance.
So far in playoffs, Aledo has ended he seasons of Denton (6-2, 9-4), Burleson (6-4), and Burleson Centennial (4-0, 3-0). On a seven game win streak, the team looks to continue to advance in playoffs as they prepare to take on Abilene Wylie in the Regional Semifinals. Fans can expect Aledo to play with the same amount of force that they have been all season. With the ability to read other offenses and adjust wherever needed, Aledo's defense can be expected to step up and pave a path to the next round.
Game one of the series is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 26th at Weatherford College. Game two will be played at 1 p.m on Friday at Abilene Christian. If game three is necessary, the team will play at Iowa Park on Saturday at 5 p.m.