GAMES
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)
STATE PREVIEW: Melissa sets out for historic appearance in state softball tournament
Having dropped only two games all season, the Melissa Lady Cardinals have blasted their way into the UIL Class 5A Softball State Tournament. VYPE DFW takes a look at what fans can expect going into this historic tournament appearance for the Lady Cardinals!
So Far:
Showcasing their talent against several tough opponents already this season, the team has made it their mission to take down any opponent that stands in their way. The team has allowed only 58 combined runs to be scored against them while scoring a whopping 369 of their own against opponents this season. With talent at the plate paired with a defense that doesn't quit, the team has shown that they are all gas and no brakes.
Led by the talents of Caigan Crabtree, Hutton "Lulu" Adrian, Kennedy Bradley, Emily Johnson, Amariee Bradford, Alex Starr, and other athletes, this squad has a focused effort that helped power them to several regular season victories including over the likes of Waxahachie (18-0), Crandall (21-0), Aledo (11-2), McKinney Boyd (7-0), McKinney North (22-1), Greenville (15-0), Sherman (11-0), and more allowing for a top-of-the-district finish with an 11-1 district record.
Into playoffs, the Lady Cardinals showcased poise and resiliency as they faced strong opponents in Ennis (15-0), Huntsville (5-1), Kingwood Park (7-6, 3-2), Frisco Wakeland (2-0, 5-0), and Forney (5-2, 4-0). As the team heads into the state tournament, they can be expected to play strong against Lake Belton.
What To Expect:
Lake Belton is also entering the tournament with a first-time appearance. The team has a 40-4 overall record and is looking to continue their historic season, but Melissa has been on a mission that won't soon be stopped. Fans can expect this team to continue their dedicated effort that will allow them to make incredible plays on the defensive end of the ball. Likewise, the offense is more focused than ever and can be expected to make timely and big hits right out of the gate as they begin their pairing with Lake Belton.
Be sure to catch all of the action! The game begins at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 31 at Red and Charline McCombs Field in Austin, Texas!