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PLAY BALL: VYPE Preseason Top 5 Private School Softball Teams; Others to Watch
The Prospectus
Episcopal has ran the show in SPC for a long time when it comes to softball. Last season, the Knights brought home yet another SPC crown - the 20th in program history. FBCA finished as State Runner-Ups in 2022 in TAPPS Division II, while Cypress Christian reached the TAPPS Final Four in TAPPS Division III.
Here is a preview of the top teams in the private school landscape in 2023.
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Preseason Top 5
No. 1 Episcopal Knights
No. 2 Fort Bend Christian Academy Eagles
No. 3 St. John’s Mavericks
No. 4 St. Pius X Panthers
No. 5 Lutheran South Academy Pioneers
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Others To Watch
St. Agnes Academy Tigers - The Tigers will be looking towards pitcher Avery Jung, second baseman Kate Sullo, outfielder Julia Sullo and shortstop Mia Valenzuela to get the Tigers into the big dance and reach at least the TAPPS Division I Final Four.
Cypress Christian Warriors - Cypress Christian reached the TAPPS Final Four in Division III a year ago after going 20-3-2 overall, according to MaxPreps. The Warriors are set to return some big bats to the lineup including Lucy Davis (.578, 15 2B, 30 RBIs) and Chloe Robinson (.532, 24 RBIs). Davis was also the ace in the circle for Cypress Christian with 62 strikeouts in 50 ⅔ innings. Can Cypress Christian make the run back to the Final Four again? They have the senior leadership to do it.
Second Baptist School Eagles - It wasn’t that long ago that SBS was hoisting the TAPPS Division II State Championship trophy. In fact, it was just back in 2021 that they did just that. Now, the Eagles are going to try and add another piece of hardware to the case and a ring to their finger and this senior class will be key. Led by Ella Ryan, Kate Marshall and Emily Rogers (Colorado School of Mines), this trio of seniors will be the cornerstones to the Eagles’ success in 2023. Mackenzie Schmidt will be the ace in the circle for SBS as the Eagles look to take back their title this season.
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LAST SHOT: SBS seniors prepare for final postseason run
Second Baptist School women’s basketball has embodied consistency in recent years.
The fact that the Eagles haven’t lost a single district matchup since December 6, 2019 (46-37 v. LSA) is a testament to just how proficient this team is.
Under the direction of Coach John Herndon, SBS remains a perennial favorite in their TAPPS-5A district and beyond. However, a significant amount of credit deservedly goes to the dynamic trio of seniors -- Olivia Walker, Ella Ryan and Kate Marshall. The chemistry and talent between these three athletes have advanced Second Baptist School women’s basketball to a whole new level over their four-year tenure.
These three were recently recognized on February 3, during halftime of their game against FBCA. The seniors looked back on the times spent together and reflect on how they can impact their younger teammates in their final season.
“Since it’s our senior year, we’re working harder than we ever have before. It’s our last chance to get a state title,” said Kate Marshall. “I think the three of us, as seniors and such good friends, really set a good example for the younger players on the team.”
As Marshall mentioned, the trio has yet to win a TAPPS State Championship with SBS, but it hasn't been for a lack of effort. The Eagles have appeared in the past three state final games, securing runner-up three years in a row.
However, these Second Baptist School seniors will see to it that the narrative changes, as they prepare for their imminent arrival in the TAPPS postseason.
“This year, our chemistry has really clicked,” Ella Ryan said. “The three of us have been playing together for about five years, and one of our star players -- Olivia Sauvageau ‘24 -- is in her third year. It feels like our dynamic has bonded well with everyone on the team, and I think that will make a difference throughout the playoffs.”
Senior Olivia Walker shares the same mentality. “The fact that we’ve been there [the State Title game] three years in a row, shows we’ve learned to never give up,” said Walker. “A motto we have is, ‘A little bit better, every day.’ No matter what, we’ll try to get something accomplished. Obviously, our goal this year is to bring home the championship, and we’re going to work as hard as we can to achieve that.”
SBS Eagles' Senior TrioJustin Hartojo (VYPE)
SBS Senior NightBella Traverse (VYPE Intern)
Bella Traverse (VYPE Intern)