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VYPE 2021 Softball Preview: Private School No. 4 The Woodlands Christian Academy
Richard Perez's squad was in the big dance two years ago, playing for the TAPPS Division III State title. TWCA fell short but would have been a solid contender to get back in 2020, after suffering only one loss in '19.
Turning the page to this year, seven starters are back, including their ace McKenna Meadors (Hill College). Ashley Darilek returns for her junior season but will make the move from shortstop to catcher.
Gracie Graham is a nice lefty batter who flashes the leather at second base. Finally, Mattie Hopkins will move to centerfield, which will be "huge for the outfield this season", according to Perez.
Other players to watch include Mackenzie Morris, who brings a big bat to the lineup and will play shortstop, and Aubrey Hollas, who returns after taking a year off. She will play first base.
For Perez, their focus in 2021 will be "100-percent on Team, Commitment, Dedication and Accountability".
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VYPE Softball Preview: The Woodlands Christian Academy
The Woodlands Christian Academy made history in 2019, reaching the state championship game for the first time.
The Warriors fell short to Waco Relcher Caholic in the title game but now have the experience of getting there. TWCA coach Richard Perez said they should be more "comfortable" once there since they've been there before.
The group coming back is experienced, considering they only lost one senior.
The core is a mix of juniors and sophomores, including Gracie Graham, Ashley Darilek and Mattie Hopkins. Perez expects Darilek to have a big year, coming off a solid freshman year, with her bat and glove.
Other players to watch include Mariska Coelho and Adele Veldekens, who will be some of the seniors to watch.
This article appears in the 2020 VYPE Houston Baseball/Softball Preview presented by Champion Energy, which will be hitting newsstands next week in the Houston-area