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TIME TO SHINE: Breakdown of the Softball Regional Semis
Let's get right into it then.
Here's a brief analysis of the various Houston-area series taking place this week, with a trip to the Regional Final on the line.
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Katy Tigers vs. Brazoswood Buccaneers
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
This clash is likely on the top of everyone's watch-list, and for good reason.
Katy (37-1-1) is ranked as the No. 1 team in the nation, according to MaxPreps, and they have their sights set on claiming the program's first state title since 2019.
The Tigers coming an 8-0 victory over district rival Cinco Ranch in the third round, which marks the team's sixth-consecutive shutout.
Here's another wild stat. This group has allowed a mere 11 runs to score on them throughout the entire 2024 season.
It's no secret that Katy is loaded with talent, with Cameryn Harrison (Arkansas-signee), Lauryn Soeken (LSU), Ashtyn Reichardt (Arkansas), Avery Porter (Mizzou), Montgomery Henderson (Oklahoma State), Ella-Kate Smith, and Hailey Gore (Houston) being among the numerous stars on coach Kalum Haack's roster.
However, the matchup will undoubtedly come down to the pitching, which is also Brazoswood's strong suit.
The Buccaneers (31-7) made headlines a week ago, by defeating the reigning state champs, Pearland, in a two-game (G1: 13-2, G2: 11-1) sweep.
Peyton Tanner (Tennessee) proved once again why she is the No. 4 ranked (Extra Inning SB) pitcher in her class, by stifling a relentless Oilers lineup, and aims to do the same against the Tigers.
On the batting side, coach Laura Oltman will turn to the likes of Mia Estrello, Siannah Nava, Jazlynn Soliz, Audrey Sierra, and Kimora Quave to break Katy's shutout-streak.
Whoever emerges victorious from this series could easily be deemed state favorites, so this is definitely one you won't want to miss.
GAME 1: Wednesday (6:30 pm) @ Iowa Colony HS
GAME 2: Thursday (6:30 pm) @ Iowa Colony HS
GAME 3 (If needed): Saturday (Time TBD) @ Iowa Colony HS
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
Foster Falcons vs. Lake Creek Lions
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Foster (33-5-1) enters the Regional Tournament for the first time since 2018 -- a year, in which, they reached the UIL State Final.
Most recently, the Falcons swept Friendswood (Game 1: 15-14, Game 2: 3-1) to advance to the fourth round.
Arkansas-signee Ella McDowell continues to build on what will likely be her fourth-straight District 20-5A MVP season to close out her stellar high school career. Although, she won't be inclined on letting it end just yet.
Sophie Brammer, Morgan Gutierrez, Emerson Lechler, Jordan Tosch, and Izzy Jacoby round out the remainder of the stars for coach Keely McGuire's group, and will be locked in when preparing to take on the back-to-back UIL-5A state champs.
Speaking of which, Lake Creek (32-6) is on a similar hot-streak.
After toppling Belton and Bastrop, LCHS proceeded to thrash A&M Consolidated 10-2, last week.
Despite the departure of last year's "big-three" -- Ava Brown (Florida), Maddie McKee (LSU), and Kalee Rochinski (UTSA) -- the Lions have seemingly reloaded, under the direction of first-year head coach Candyce Carter.
The headliners for this year's new-look roster include Madalyn Davis, Carmen Uribe (Central Arkansas-signee), Piper White, Chesney Davis (Texas State), Alyson Higginbotham (Tarleton), and Bella Battaglia (Louisiana Christian).
In terms of Class 5A matchups, this one is likely to be the most critical for the remainder of the postseason.
GAME 1: Wednesday (6:30 pm) @ Cy Ranch HS
GAME 2: Friday (5:30 pm) @ Cy Ranch HS
GAME 3 (If needed): Friday (After Game 2) @ Cy Ranch HS
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
Kingwood Mustangs vs. Heights Bulldogs
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
The Mustangs extended their momentous season last week, when they swept a red-hot Alvin team (Game 1: 5-2, Game 2: 7-1), improving their record to 33-7 on the year.
Coach Christa Williams-Yates directs one of the best rosters the program has seen in recent memory, which features the talents of Addy Sheppard (Arizona-signee), Mia Gagliardi, and Leilani Garcia.
Furthermore, Sara Haug (Texas State), Ava Jolley (UMHB), Kendall Yates, Abella Mata, and McKenna Holm comprise the remainder of the stars on Kingwood's talented lineup, while freshman Hunter Quentel has been the ace on the mound for Williams-Yates.
They're on a mission to become the first KHS team to reach the Region III Final since the 2015-16 season.
On the other side of the diamond, Heights (27-9) reaches the fourth round of the postseason for the first time in program history.
Coach Lamont Robins and company did so by sweeping Memorial (Game 1: 8-2, Game 2: 1-0) a week ago, which also extends their win-streak to 14.
The Bulldogs are propelled by the efforts of Helen Maddux, Kennedy Hill (Incarnate Word-signee), Laila Robins (Dallas Christian), Haylie Jaime (Trinity Valley), Sara Paniagua, and Flora Moreno, who will each play a significant role in their ensuing series against Kingwood.
GAME 1: Wednesday (7:00 PM) @ Humble HS
GAME 2: Thursday (7:00 PM) @ Humble HS
GAME 3 (If needed): Friday (7:00 PM) @ Humble HS
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
Bridgeland Bears vs. Midway Panthers
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Coach Candi Weige and the Bears appear to be just as dynamic as they were in 2023, when they advanced to their first-ever State Tournament.
Bridgeland (33-5) advances to the Regional Semis on the heels of a resilient performance in last week's three-game series against Klein Oak, in which they came back from six runs down in Game No. 3, to ultimately triumph 15-6 in the decider.
With Syracuse-signee Sydney Jackson having a starring role, from both the pitcher's mound and the batter's box, the likes of Chayne Allen (ULL), Rylie Marquart (McLennan), Chesley Swisher (Texas Lutheran), Addy Gibbons, Madysen Taylor, Dani Lopez (Blinn), and AB Bvunzawabaya have had equally shining moments.
The Bears are now tasked with facing Midway this week.
Under the direction of coach Jordan Williams, the Panthers (29-4) are currently on a 20-game winning-streak, which they recently extended by sweeping Mansfield Legacy (Game 1: 3-1, Game 2: 11-7) in the Regional Quarterfinals.
They're headlined by Allie Jones, Kelsey Mathis, Ryleigh Degeer, Harper Haas, and Jayden Sadler, among others.
The Waco team has the ambition of returning to Austin for the first time since 2011, a year in which they claimed the UIL-4A title.
However, Bridgeland will undoubtedly have other plans.
GAME 1: Thursday (6:30 pm) @ Caldwell HS
GAME 2: Friday (5:30 pm) @ Caldwell HS
GAME 3 (If needed): Saturday (1:00 pm) @ Caldwell HS
CLICK HERE TO KEEP UP WITH THE UIL SOFTBALL PLAYOFF BRACKETS
On the private school side, St. Agnes faces John Paul II in the DI semifinals today. Cypress Christian fell to The Brook Hill School in the DIII finals.