GAMES
RANKINGS
2024-25 Katy Softball
THE TIER LIST: Updated VYPE HOU Softball Rankings in district-play; Katy, Lake Creek, BH, Kingwood have aura
In what feels like the blink of an eye, we're already approaching the conclusion of the first round of district matchups on the Texas high school softball scene.
H-Town features a gauntlet of competitors who appear destined to enjoy lengthy runs in the upcoming playoffs. But where do they rank among each other?
As it stands, Katy has recaptured our top spot, boasting an outstanding 21-1 record -- the only loss coming at the hands of fellow powerhouse Barbers Hill (19-2).
Meanwhile, the 2022 and 2023 UIL-5A Champs Lake Creek (17-0) have yet to experience defeat throughout the spring.
Kingwood (14-2-1) isn't going away anytime soon, and their District 23-6A race will have the Mustangs well-prepared for the playoffs, considering they're matching up against the likes of Atascocita (13-2) and Summer Creek (15-2).
Out of Class 4A, Liberty (14-4) is always going to pose a major threat to any opponent they face.
That being said, check out who's been making waves in the greater Houston-area with our updated softball rankings.
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*Parentheses indicates current district
*Last section indicates current overall record; district record
VYPE HOUSTON SOFTBALL TOP-20 (Class 6A-4A)
1. Katy Tigers (19-6A) -- 22-1; 7-0 in District
2. Lake Creek Lions (17-5A) -- 17-0; 4-0
3. Barbers Hill Eagles (19-5A) -- 19-2; 6-0
4. Kingwood Mustangs (23-6A) -- 14-2-1; 4-1
5. Atascocita Eagles (23-6A) -- 13-2; 4-1
6. Liberty Panthers (19-4A) -- 14-4; 4-0
7. Clear Springs Chargers (24-6A) -- 12-2; 5-0
8. Summer Creek Bulldogs (23-6A) -- 15-2; 4-1
9. Angleton Wildcats (20-5A) -- 10-1; 5-0
10. Conroe Tigers (13-6A) -- 14-5; 5-1
11. Deer Park Deer (24-6A) -- 14-5; 4-1
12. Friendswood Mustangs (20-5A) -- 18-2; 4-1
13. Tomball Cougars (15-6A) -- 17-3; 9-0
14. Pearland Oilers (22-6A) -- 18-6; 9-0
15. Langham Creek Lobos (16-6A) -- 14-4; 5-0
16. Oak Ridge War Eagles (13-6A) -- 15-5; 4-2
17. Crosby Cougars (18-5A) -- 10-5; 3-0
18. Katy Jordan Warriors (19-6A) -- 13-2; 6-1
19. Houston Memorial Mustangs (17-6A) -- 13-2; 4-1
20. Foster Falcons (20-6A) -- 11-6-1; 1-0
Honorable Mentions: Ridge Point (21-6A), Willis (13-6A), La Porte (20-5A), Grand Oaks (13-6A), Kingwood Park (18-5A), Needville (29-4A), Katy Taylor (19-6A), Bridgeland (16-6A), Cy-Fair (17-6A), Montgomery (17-5A), Klein Oak (15-6A), Hightower (21-6A)
Clear Springs' Erianna Garcia
THE PLAYMAKERS: Dominators of the Diamond powered by UTMB Health
The South Houston area is loaded with talented athletes who give it there all in their respective fields of play.
Welcome to the VYPE Playmakers powered by UTMB Health, where we’re highlighting five standouts from this past week who stole the headlines.
Here are the UTMB Softball Athletes of the Week, as we enter the district portion of the Spring season.
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Kaylee Schweitzer -- Pearland Softball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The Oilers have wasted no time proving themselves as contenders once again.
Under second-year head coach Michelle Hyden, Pearland has stormed to a 18-6 record this spring, including a definitive 8-0 start in District 22-6A play. Their latest statement came in a commanding 17-1 victory over Sam Rayburn on .
While the team’s success has been a collective effort, senior outfielder Kaylee Schweitzer has been a driving force behind their resurgence.
A UT-Arlington-commit, Schweitzer was part of Pearland’s 2023 state championship team and played a key role in last year’s playoff run to the Regional Quarterfinals.
With standout teammates like Payton Shugart (Texas State), Layla Bennett (Central Florida), and Laila Nobles (North Texas), the Oilers have all the tools to make another deep postseason push—and perhaps, another run at a state title.
Erianna Garcia -- Clear Springs Softball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
With head coach Jennifer Knight at the helm, Clear Springs has powered its way to an impressive 11-2 start, earning recognition from MaxPreps, which currently ranks them No. 9 in Texas.
Winners of 6-straight, the Chargers have dominated early district play, securing decisive victories over Clear Brook (19-7), Clear Lake (7-6), Brazoswood (13-2), and most recently, Clear Falls (17-3).
A high-powered offense has been the driving force behind the team’s success, headlined by standout senior catcher Erianna Garcia, an Abilene Christian-commit.
Garcia leads the Chargers with a .543 batting average, 24 RBIs, and five home runs, making her one of the most dangerous hitters in the district.
While she’s complemented by strong performances from Makenzie Thomas (.463 BA, 16 RBI, 5 HR), Alana Strever (.449 BA, 14 RBI, 1 HR), and Eryn Polite (.370 BA, 12 RBI, 2 HR), Garcia remains the undisputed alpha of a lineup poised to make a deep postseason run in the coming months.
Braelynn Jones -- Deer Park Softball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Riding a nine-game winning streak, Deer Park improved to 15-4 on the season with a thrilling 7-5 victory over Clear Lake, sealed by freshman Journey Calderon's walk-off home run on Friday.
The win also marked a 4-0 start in District 24-6A play, an encouraging sign for a program eager to bounce back after last year’s Area Round exit.
With tough district competition ahead, the Deer have already proven they can handle top-tier opponents, securing key wins over defending 6A state champion Weslaco, Keller (13-5-1), and Pearland (17-6) earlier this season.
Leading the charge is ace pitcher Braelynn Jones, a Texas Tech commit, who has shown poise in high-pressure moments—most notably during the Barbers Hill Tournament in early March, where she delivered numerous clutch performances with senior Madi Alvarado (Temple) providing relief.
Offensively, Deer Park boasts plenty of firepower, with standout contributions from Mia Montemayor (Texas Southern), Aleena Carrizales (Texas Southern), Camryn Plocheck (Texas State), Zoie Powell (San Jacinto CC), and the rising star Calderon.
This should keep some of the pressure off of Jones, when the Deer eventually turn their attention towards the postseason.
Charleigh Esparza -- Friendswood Softball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Friendswood is off to one of its hottest starts in years, boasting a near-perfect 19-1 record as they enter the first half of district play (4-0).
Their lone setback came in a tightly contested 5-3 loss to 6A powerhouse Clear Springs in late February. However, the Mustangs remain focused as they navigate a competitive District 20-5A, which features strong opponents like Angleton and La Porte.
Among the key contributors for coach Jarrod Hunter’s squad, senior Charleigh Esparza has been the steady force at the heart of the lineup.
The Baylor-commit has not only provided offensive firepower but also anchors the team defensively as the catcher, guiding the Mustangs with her leadership and experience.
With a playoff berth all but certain, Friendswood has its sights set on a deeper run, and with Esparza leading the charge, they’ll be a tough team to stop.
Persephone Soria -- Dobie Softball
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Though the first half of the season has been filled with ups and downs, a strong 6-2 start to district play has Dobie (10-8) firmly in the playoff conversation.
Offense hasn’t been a concern for coach Robin Rackley’s squad, as the Longhorns have lit up the scoreboard against tough opponents such as Dawson (19-3), O’Connor (9-1), and Manvel (14-1) this season.
That production has been fueled by a well-balanced lineup featuring Chloe Nunez (.515 BA, 8 RBI), Amaya Corona (.367 BA, 15 RBI, 1 HR), and Lili Sepulveda (.302 BA, 19 RBI, 1 HR), among others.
However, the emergence of sophomore Persephone Soria has been a difference-maker. Soria is hitting for a .386 average, while having contributed 18 RBIs, including three doubles, two triples, and a home run.
Dobie hasn’t missed the playoffs in over a decade, and if Soria and company continue their strong play, that streak isn’t ending anytime soon.