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Foster's Ella McDowell
PRIME-TIME: Most pivotal clashes in Softball Regional Quarterfinals
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Pearland Oilers vs. Brazoswood Buccaneers
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
It's been another prodigious season for Pearland this Spring, as the Oilers (34-4) claimed their third-straight District 23-6A championship, before subsequently defeating Dickinson (Game 1: 10-0, Game 2: 18-1) and Atascocita (Game 1: 5-2, Game 2: 6-8, Game 3: 11-1) through the first two rounds of the playoffs.
The runs have been in ample supply for the team's relentless offense, as they've accumulated well over 300 on the year, thus far, and that's not likely to change for coach Michele Hyden and company.
Raenna Liscano (ULL-signee), Kaylee Schweitzer (LSU), and Trinity Perry (TWU) have been the pillars for Pearland, with Laila Nobles, Emrie Ashcraft, Julia St. John, and Carly Carpenter in support.
While their aforementioned hitting is their strong-suit, the Oilers will need to bunker down in Round No. 3, primarily due to the fact that Brazoswood is home to one of the best pitchers in the state.
The undefeated District 24-6A champions (29-7) are coming off sweeps against Shadow Creek (Game 1: 10-0, Game 2: 4-1) and Summer Creek (Game 1: 2-1, Game 2: 8-0) and have already surpassed their 2023 mark of reaching the Area Round.
Not much more can be said about Tennessee-signee Peyton Tanner. The senior RHP is the spark that ignites coach Laura Oltman's squad and will naturally be instrumental in the Bucs' mission to stifle the reigning state champs.
Other players to watch include Mia Estrello, Jazlynn Soliz, Siannah Nava, Audrey Sierra, and Kimora Quave.
GAME 1: Wednesday (6:30 pm) @ Iowa Colony HS
GAME 2: Thursday (6:30 pm) @ Iowa Colony HS
GAME 3 (If needed): Friday (6:30 pm) @ Iowa Colony HS
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
Kingwood Mustangs vs. Alvin Yellowjackets
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
In her first year with the program, softball legend and head coach Christa Williams-Yates has aided in enhancing an already well-established state power in Kingwood (31-7; 14-0 in district).
The Mustangs, who are currently the No. 8 ranked in Class 6A (MaxPreps), enter the Regional Quarterfinals on the heels of sweeping Rayburn (Game 1: 16-0, Game 2: 10-0) and Clear Springs (Game 1: 12-1, Game 2: 5-0) in dominating fashion.
Addyson Sheppard (Arizona-commit), Leilani Garcia, Ava Jolley, and Mia Gagliardi have enjoyed starring roles for KHS, with the help of Abella Mata, Kendall Yates, and McKenna Holm.
Kingwood bowed out to Pearland in the third round a year ago, but this talented group will look to reset the standard this week.
Similarly, Alvin (30-4; 10-2 in district) is one of the top programs in Texas and look to maintain their hot-streak.
Senior pitcher Matti Matthews (North Texas-signee) has been a force on the mound, while the likes of Kiley Huffman (Texas Tech), Abby Ptak (Boston College), and Jocelyn Briseno (Houston Christian) are efficient on both sides of the ball.
Coach Kelly Bembry and the Yellowjackets reach the third round of the postseason for the first time since 2019, and they don't plan on stopping now.
GAME 1: Thursday (6:30 pm) @ Kingwood HS
GAME 2: Friday (6:30 pm) @ Alvin HS
GAME 3 (If needed): Saturday (6:30 pm) @ La Porte HS
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Foster Falcons vs. Friendswood Mustangs
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The Falcons return to the Regional Quarters following definitive wins over Austin (21-0) and Manvel (Game 1: 5-0, Game 2: 2--4, Game 3: 14-2), bringing their composite record to 31-5-1 on the year.
The threat they pose in Class 5A cannot be overstated, as they aim to flip the script of last year's result, when they fell to Santa Fe in Game 3.
Coach Keely McGuire has an arsenal of weapons to turn to, and none have been more prominent than Ella McDowell (Arkansas-signee).
As the No. 3 ranked player in the nation, the three-time District 20-5A MVP is as dynamic as they come, and she continues to elevate Foster to new heights.
McDowell is complemented by the talents of Sophie Brammer, Bailey Lechler, Morgan Gutierrez, and Izzy Jacoby, just to name a few.
Don't count out Friendswood just yet, though.
The Mustangs (22-8; 9-3) finished second in their district, prior to knocking Port Neches-Groves (6-4) and Galena Park (Game 1: 12-1, Game 2: 5-2) out of the playoffs.
In his first year as head coach, Jarrod Hunter has found multiple ways to optimize his lineup, which is headlined by Baileigh Burtis (.450 BA, 21 RBI, 28 R, 1 HR), Charleigh Esparza (.386 BA, 27 RBI, 15 R, 6 HR), Lola Widner (.370 BA, 16 RBI, 21 R), and Chloe Aldrich (.286 BA, 19 RBI, 21 R, 2 HR).
This could likely prove to be one of the more pivotal matchups of the week.
GAME 1: Thursday (6:30 pm) @ Foster HS
GAME 2: Friday (6:30 pm) @ Friendswood HS
GAME 3: Saturday (11:00 am) @ Grand Oaks HS
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Heights Bulldogs vs. Memorial Mustangs
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
This Spring has seen yet another exemplary showing from Heights (25-9), who claimed an undefeated district title, which was followed up by victories over Cypress Creek (7-1) and Katy Taylor (Game 1: 2-0, Game 2: 2-0) through the first two rounds.
Kennedy Hill (.306 BA, 40 RBI, 30 R, 10 HR) and Flora Moreno (.338 BA, 27 RBI, 21 R, 6 HR) have been electric in the batter's box, while Haylie Jaime (.453 BA, 16 RBI, 15 R, 3 HR), Helen Maddux (.432 BA, 22 RBI, 35 R, 5 HR), Laila Robins (.453 BA, 19 RBI, 37 R, 2 HR), and Sara Paniagua (.430 BA, 9 RBI, 23 R) round out one of top lineups in the area.
Consistency will be key for the Bulldogs, with their goal of reaching the Regional Tournament hanging in the balance. Although, that's unlikely to be a problem, given the numbers they've been putting up.
Memorial, on the other hand, has experienced an unprecedented surge of success in 2024, as they currently maintain a record of 31-2.
The Mustangs recently swept both Lamar (Game 1: 6-3, Game 2: 20-5) and Tompkins (Game 1: 7-3, Game 2: 6-0), which breaks the stigma of first-round exits they've had in recent memory.
Brooke Kearns (.535 BA, 44 RBI, 51 R, 8 HR), Sophie Vlasak (.534 BA, 37 RBI, 38 R, 6 HR), and Isabella Borrego (.405 BA, 34 RBI, 26 R, 4 HR) are the catalysts for coach Stephanie Mosley's roster, with junior pitcher Elise Adams (2.15 ERA, 75 K) being her ace on the mound.
GAME 1: Thursday (6:30 pm) @ Delmar Stadium
GAME 2: Friday (5:00 pm) @ Memorial HS
GAME 3 (If needed): Friday (Following Game 2) @ Memorial HS
Photo acquired via Instagram (@memorial_softball_studs)
CLICK HERE TO KEEP UP WITH THE UIL SOFTBALL PLAYOFF BRACKETS
Emma King of Clear Springs Softball
THE OPENING STAGE: Must-see matchups in Round 1 of Softball Playoffs
Here are just some of the more pivotal clashes in store for audiences, as the playoffs begin this week.
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Alvin Yellowjackets vs. Clear Brook Wolverines
Doug Brown (VYPE)
The Yellowjackets enter the postseason as one of the top clubs in H-Town.
After finishing right behind Pearland in the District 23-6A standings, Alvin currently maintains a record of 25-4 and seems poised for a deep run in the playoffs.
Coach Kelly Bembry certainly has plenty of talent to work with on her roster.
Senior pitcher Matti Matthews (North Texas-signee) has performed brilliantly from the mound, having eclipsed 300 career strikeouts a month ago and has an uncanny repertoire alongside her catcher Abby Ptak (Boston College).
Their lineup is just as effective, with Kamryn De Leon, Kiley Huffman, and Rebekah Cavazos leading the way.
Don't count out Clear Brook just yet, though. They have some have heavy-hitters of their own.
Texas-signee Lien Brister is as elite as they come, with an exceptional stat-line (0.466 BA, 32 RBIs, 38 R, 9 HR) to back that claim.
She's complemented efficiently by Miranda Carroll, Estrella Rowe, and Ahiza Garcia.
Following their third-place finish in District 24-6A, coach Katy Cave and the Wolverines will look to keep their season alive when their series against Alvin begins this Thursday.
GAME 1: Thursday (6:30 pm) @ Clear Brook HS
GAME 2: Friday (6:30 pm) @ Alvin HS
GAME 3 (If needed): Saturday (6:30 pm) @ Santa Fe HS
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Clear Springs Chargers vs. Dawson Eagles
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
After claiming silver in District 24-6A, Clear Springs (19-8) looks to keep their hot-streak intact when they take to their home field against Dawson on Thursday.
Under the direction of head coach Jennifer Knight, the Chargers' base-hitting has been outstanding, with the offense scoring over 200 runs on the season, thus far.
Erianna Garcia and Emma King (Wisconsin-signee) have been the center-pieces of the team's talented lineup, as they are currently batting for 0.488 and 0.439, respectively.
Additionally, the bull-pen -- headlined by Jenna Hashaw (2.10 ERA, 65 Ks) and Beth Ann Johnston (2.62 ERA, 50 Ks) -- has been equally essential to Clear Springs' success.
On the Dawson side, the Eagles (19-7-1) are coming off a third-place finish in a district that features fellow contenders Pearland and Alvin.
Their defense has been clicking on all cylinders, thanks in large part to senior pitcher Cara Pitman (Houston Christian-signee), who surpassed 300 career strikeouts a week ago.
Batting-wise, Dawson's features the talents of Emily Mullen, Caroline Roth, and Evey Dieudonne, among others.
Both of these teams were well-within our top-20 6A teams entering the playoffs, so it will be interesting to see how this matchup plays out.
GAME 1: Thursday (6:30 pm) @ Clear Springs HS
GAME 2: Friday (6:30 pm) @ Dawson HS
GAME 3 (If needed): Saturday (6:30 pm) @ Dawson HS
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Crosby Cougars vs. Manvel Mavericks
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
Crosby (27-6; 11-2 in district) returns to the postseason on the heels of placing second in a district that features the likes of softball heavy-weights, Barbers Hill and Port Neches-Groves, which also makes them one of the top teams in all of Class 5A.
The Troy Fox-led Cougars are propelled by the talents of Ally Mooneyham (Nicholls State-signee), Morgan Lloyd (Wichita State), Kaelin Hicks (San Jacinto), Bell Land (Bossier Parish CC), and Brylee Holmes (Oklahoma Wesleyan).
After reaching the Area Round in 2023, Crosby will look to repeat that effort and more when they face off against an equally-talented Manvel team.
Speaking of which, the Mavs (20-10-1; 8-4 in district) are in the midst of an exemplary turn-around season, as they narrowly missed out on the playoffs a year ago.
Coach Alex Meng has an arsenal of weapons to utilize, beginning with senior pitcher Ryley Nihart.
The Northwestern State-signee has been phenomenal from the mound, with a record of 18-5, an ERA of 1.06, and a ridiculous 238 strikeouts to boot.
On the batting side, Manvel is bolstered by junior catcher Jaylie Miller (0.446 BA, 35 RBIs, 11 HR), Skylar Frederick (0.393 BA, 19 RBIs, 5 HR), and Carley Williams (0.379 BA, 10 RBIs, 1 HR).
This could be the most vital series in the Bi-District round, so it's one you won't want to miss.
GAME 1: Friday (5:30 pm) @ Manvel HS
GAME 2: Saturday (11:00 am) @ Crosby HS
GAME 3 (If needed): Saturday (After Game 2) @ Crosby HS
