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RANKINGS
THE TIER LIST: VYPE DFW Preseason Softball Rankings; Melissa, Guyer flexing early on
Contrary to what the current chilly temperatures might indicate, the spring edition of the UIL season is officially underway, marking the start of the race toward Red & Charline McCombs Field.
In the Dallas-Fort Worth region, the Melissa Cardinals are the early favorites, and for good reason.
After a historic 2024 season, Melissa not only reached the State Tournament for the first time in program history, but they also secured the UIL-5A Title.
What’s even more daunting for opponents is the return of nearly the entire championship roster, including State MVP Caigan Crabtree (Texas-commit), along with All-Tournament selections Alexandra Starr (Michigan State), Kennedy Bradley (Florida), and Amariee Bradford (So. IF).
Shifting focus from the 5A favorites, Denton Guyer, fresh off their second consecutive State Final Four appearance, is aiming for a third trip out of Region I, with no intention of settling for another bronze medal.
Other 6A powerhouses, such as Keller, Forney, and Southlake Carroll, are expected to make noise this season, while Aledo, Centennial, and Walnut Grove will lead the charge in 5A.
While predicting the season's outcome is never an exact science, here are VYPE's top softball teams from DFW to watch as the 2025 campaign begins.
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*Parentheses indicates current district
*Last section indicates 2024 result
VYPE DALLAS-FORT WORTH SOFTBALL TOP-10 (Class 6A-4A)
1. Melissa Cardinals (13-5A) -- 38-2-1; 11-1 in District (UIL-5A State Champions)
2. Denton Guyer Wildcats (5-6A) -- 37-5; 13-1 (State Semifinalists)
3. Keller Indians (4-6A) -- 29-11-2; 12-0 (Regional Finalists)
4. Forney Jackrabbits (10-6A) -- 38-5-3; 12-0 (Regional Finalists)
5. Aledo Bearcats (5-5A) -- 35-4; 12-0 (State Semifinalists)
6. Southlake Carroll Dragons (4-6A) -- 34-10 (Regional Semifinalists)
7. Centennial Spartans (8-5A) -- 32-9; 15-1 (Regional Finalists)
8. Walnut Grove Wildcats (13-5A) -- 38-5; 14-0 (Regional Semifinalists)
9. Plano West Wolves (6-6A) -- 24-14-1; 8-6 (Regional Semifinalists)
10. Wakeland Wolverines (12-5A) -- 24-10; 11-3 (Regional Semifinalists)
Honorable Mentions: FM Marcus (5-6A), Timber Creek (4-6A), Sanger (9-4A), Hebron (5-6A), Aubrey (10-4A)
Forney looks to shut down Walnut Grove's hot streak
With only two losses this season, the Forney Lady Jackrabbits have been dominating over their opponents. In the regional semifinal round, they're set to face off against the newest team in the metroplex: the Prosper Walnut Grove Lady Wildcats! VYPE DFW takes a look at the Lady Jackrabbits' season so far:
Having outscored their opponents by a combined 305 runs this season, the team has had powerful performances on the plate that has continued to lead them to impressive victories. In non-district play, the team showcased impressive skill as they took down the likes of Plano East (2-1), Midlothian Heritage (11-2), Prosper (16-4), Midway (10-8), McKinney Boyd (11-1), Conroe (6-5), and more before heading into district play.
Once in district play, the team was able to finish at the top of their district standings with an undefeated (12-0) district record. Getting the job done against their area opponents like Lancaster (22-0), Terrell (18-0), Crandall (14-1), Aledo (1-0), and others, the team showcased their ability to dominate the field whether it was while playing defense or batting.
Channeling the energy they've had all season long, the team defeated Princeton in two games to start their playoff journey this season (10-0, 11-1) before taking down Mount Pleasant in three games (9-1, 0-0, 16-0) and then coming back to win the series against Lucas Lovejoy after dropping the first game (0-3, 11-1, 4-1).
As the team prepares for Walnut Grove, it's clear that they have what it takes to shut down this new team's advances. However, if Forney does take the series, it will be no easy feat nor will it be a given victory for the Lady Jackrabbits. Walnut Grove has the potential to be the toughest opponent the Lady Jackrabbits have seen all season. Check out this series as it begins at 7 p.m. tonight, Thursday, May 16th!