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Foster's Ella McDowell
PRIME-TIME: Most pivotal clashes in Softball Regional Quarterfinals
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Pearland Oilers vs. Brazoswood Buccaneers
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
It's been another prodigious season for Pearland this Spring, as the Oilers (34-4) claimed their third-straight District 23-6A championship, before subsequently defeating Dickinson (Game 1: 10-0, Game 2: 18-1) and Atascocita (Game 1: 5-2, Game 2: 6-8, Game 3: 11-1) through the first two rounds of the playoffs.
The runs have been in ample supply for the team's relentless offense, as they've accumulated well over 300 on the year, thus far, and that's not likely to change for coach Michele Hyden and company.
Raenna Liscano (ULL-signee), Kaylee Schweitzer (LSU), and Trinity Perry (TWU) have been the pillars for Pearland, with Laila Nobles, Emrie Ashcraft, Julia St. John, and Carly Carpenter in support.
While their aforementioned hitting is their strong-suit, the Oilers will need to bunker down in Round No. 3, primarily due to the fact that Brazoswood is home to one of the best pitchers in the state.
The undefeated District 24-6A champions (29-7) are coming off sweeps against Shadow Creek (Game 1: 10-0, Game 2: 4-1) and Summer Creek (Game 1: 2-1, Game 2: 8-0) and have already surpassed their 2023 mark of reaching the Area Round.
Not much more can be said about Tennessee-signee Peyton Tanner. The senior RHP is the spark that ignites coach Laura Oltman's squad and will naturally be instrumental in the Bucs' mission to stifle the reigning state champs.
Other players to watch include Mia Estrello, Jazlynn Soliz, Siannah Nava, Audrey Sierra, and Kimora Quave.
GAME 1: Wednesday (6:30 pm) @ Iowa Colony HS
GAME 2: Thursday (6:30 pm) @ Iowa Colony HS
GAME 3 (If needed): Friday (6:30 pm) @ Iowa Colony HS
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
Kingwood Mustangs vs. Alvin Yellowjackets
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
In her first year with the program, softball legend and head coach Christa Williams-Yates has aided in enhancing an already well-established state power in Kingwood (31-7; 14-0 in district).
The Mustangs, who are currently the No. 8 ranked in Class 6A (MaxPreps), enter the Regional Quarterfinals on the heels of sweeping Rayburn (Game 1: 16-0, Game 2: 10-0) and Clear Springs (Game 1: 12-1, Game 2: 5-0) in dominating fashion.
Addyson Sheppard (Arizona-commit), Leilani Garcia, Ava Jolley, and Mia Gagliardi have enjoyed starring roles for KHS, with the help of Abella Mata, Kendall Yates, and McKenna Holm.
Kingwood bowed out to Pearland in the third round a year ago, but this talented group will look to reset the standard this week.
Similarly, Alvin (30-4; 10-2 in district) is one of the top programs in Texas and look to maintain their hot-streak.
Senior pitcher Matti Matthews (North Texas-signee) has been a force on the mound, while the likes of Kiley Huffman (Texas Tech), Abby Ptak (Boston College), and Jocelyn Briseno (Houston Christian) are efficient on both sides of the ball.
Coach Kelly Bembry and the Yellowjackets reach the third round of the postseason for the first time since 2019, and they don't plan on stopping now.
GAME 1: Thursday (6:30 pm) @ Kingwood HS
GAME 2: Friday (6:30 pm) @ Alvin HS
GAME 3 (If needed): Saturday (6:30 pm) @ La Porte HS
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Foster Falcons vs. Friendswood Mustangs
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The Falcons return to the Regional Quarters following definitive wins over Austin (21-0) and Manvel (Game 1: 5-0, Game 2: 2--4, Game 3: 14-2), bringing their composite record to 31-5-1 on the year.
The threat they pose in Class 5A cannot be overstated, as they aim to flip the script of last year's result, when they fell to Santa Fe in Game 3.
Coach Keely McGuire has an arsenal of weapons to turn to, and none have been more prominent than Ella McDowell (Arkansas-signee).
As the No. 3 ranked player in the nation, the three-time District 20-5A MVP is as dynamic as they come, and she continues to elevate Foster to new heights.
McDowell is complemented by the talents of Sophie Brammer, Bailey Lechler, Morgan Gutierrez, and Izzy Jacoby, just to name a few.
Don't count out Friendswood just yet, though.
The Mustangs (22-8; 9-3) finished second in their district, prior to knocking Port Neches-Groves (6-4) and Galena Park (Game 1: 12-1, Game 2: 5-2) out of the playoffs.
In his first year as head coach, Jarrod Hunter has found multiple ways to optimize his lineup, which is headlined by Baileigh Burtis (.450 BA, 21 RBI, 28 R, 1 HR), Charleigh Esparza (.386 BA, 27 RBI, 15 R, 6 HR), Lola Widner (.370 BA, 16 RBI, 21 R), and Chloe Aldrich (.286 BA, 19 RBI, 21 R, 2 HR).
This could likely prove to be one of the more pivotal matchups of the week.
GAME 1: Thursday (6:30 pm) @ Foster HS
GAME 2: Friday (6:30 pm) @ Friendswood HS
GAME 3: Saturday (11:00 am) @ Grand Oaks HS
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Heights Bulldogs vs. Memorial Mustangs
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
This Spring has seen yet another exemplary showing from Heights (25-9), who claimed an undefeated district title, which was followed up by victories over Cypress Creek (7-1) and Katy Taylor (Game 1: 2-0, Game 2: 2-0) through the first two rounds.
Kennedy Hill (.306 BA, 40 RBI, 30 R, 10 HR) and Flora Moreno (.338 BA, 27 RBI, 21 R, 6 HR) have been electric in the batter's box, while Haylie Jaime (.453 BA, 16 RBI, 15 R, 3 HR), Helen Maddux (.432 BA, 22 RBI, 35 R, 5 HR), Laila Robins (.453 BA, 19 RBI, 37 R, 2 HR), and Sara Paniagua (.430 BA, 9 RBI, 23 R) round out one of top lineups in the area.
Consistency will be key for the Bulldogs, with their goal of reaching the Regional Tournament hanging in the balance. Although, that's unlikely to be a problem, given the numbers they've been putting up.
Memorial, on the other hand, has experienced an unprecedented surge of success in 2024, as they currently maintain a record of 31-2.
The Mustangs recently swept both Lamar (Game 1: 6-3, Game 2: 20-5) and Tompkins (Game 1: 7-3, Game 2: 6-0), which breaks the stigma of first-round exits they've had in recent memory.
Brooke Kearns (.535 BA, 44 RBI, 51 R, 8 HR), Sophie Vlasak (.534 BA, 37 RBI, 38 R, 6 HR), and Isabella Borrego (.405 BA, 34 RBI, 26 R, 4 HR) are the catalysts for coach Stephanie Mosley's roster, with junior pitcher Elise Adams (2.15 ERA, 75 K) being her ace on the mound.
GAME 1: Thursday (6:30 pm) @ Delmar Stadium
GAME 2: Friday (5:00 pm) @ Memorial HS
GAME 3 (If needed): Friday (Following Game 2) @ Memorial HS
Photo acquired via Instagram (@memorial_softball_studs)
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The stars of 2023-24 Bridgeland Softball
STACKING UP: VYPE's Updated Softball Rankings as playoffs approach
In Class 6A, not much has changed in terms of the overall rankings, since the mid-season point.
Katy, Pearland, and Oak Ridge are locked in as potential state contenders, along with Bridgeland, who has surged to reclaim the top spot in District 16-6A. Also look for clubs such as Kingwood, Alvin, Brazoswood, Deer Park, Langham Creek, and Dawson to make substantial runs in the coming weeks.
Class 5A is still being dominated by Barbers Hill and Lake Creek, while Angleton, Crosby, Manvel, and Foster are among the programs in hot pursuit. Don't sleep on Kingwood Park, Fulshear, or Friendswood either.
On the private school scene, Episcopal remains the SPC-favorite with Houston Christian right on their heels. FBCA has made considerable strides in TAPPS-II following a thrilling series against Lutheran South. Additionally, St. Agnes, TWCA and St. Pius X continue to perform under pressure.
With the playoffs on the horizon, it's time to dole out the final regular season softball rankings.
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Pearland Oilers
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
CLASS 6A TOP-20
1. Katy Tigers (29-1-1; 14-0 in district)
2. Pearland Oilers (24-3; 8-1)
3. Oak Ridge War Eagles (28-4; 12-2)
4. Bridgeland Bears (25-4; 11-1)
5. Kingwood Mustangs (26-6; 12-0)
6. Alvin Yellowjackets (23-4; 7-2)
7. Langham Creek Lobos (26-5; 10-2)
8. Deer Park Deer (23-6; 9-0)
9. Brazoswood Buccaneers (24-7; 11-0)
10. Houston Memorial Mustangs (25-2; 12-0)
11. Cy-Fair Bobcats (22-8; 12-1)
12. Dawson Eagles (18-6-1; 8-2)
13. Clear Springs Chargers (19-7; 8-2)
14. Conroe Tigers (23-10; 12-2)
15. George Ranch Longhorns (22-5; 15-0)
16. Summer Creek Bulldogs (20-9-1; 9-2)
17. Klein Oak Panthers (20-8; 10-2)
18. Heights Bulldogs (20-9; 10-0)
19. Katy Taylor Mustangs (19-10; 12-2)
20. Spring Lions (17-8; 13-0)
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CLASS 5A TOP-15
1. Barbers Hill Eagles (27-4-2; 11-1 in district)
2. Lake Creek Lions (26-6; 10-2)
3. Angleton Wildcats (22-8; 8-2)
4. Foster Falcons (18-4-1; 8-0)
5. Crosby Cougars (25-6; 10-2)
6. Manvel Mavericks (20-8-1; 8-2)
7. Kingwood Park Panthers (19-8; 4-4)
8. Fulshear Chargers (18-14; 11-1)
9. Friendswood Mustangs (17-8; 7-3)
10. Lamar Consolidated Mustangs (20-6; 8-4)
11. Dayton Broncos (21-9; 4-4)
12. La Porte Bulldogs (14-7; 5-4)
13. Magnolia West Mustangs (17-15; 6-6)
14. Porter Spartans (13-12; 3-5)
15. Magnolia Bulldogs (16-14-3; 4-8)
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PRIVATE SCHOOL TOP-10
1. Episcopal Knights (17-9)
2. St. Agnes Academy Tigers (12-7)
3. FBCA Eagles (11-8)
4. Lutheran South Academy Pioneers (14-3)
5. Houston Christian Mustangs (14-11)
6. TWCA Warriors (13-2)
7. St. Pius X Panthers (15-11-1)
8. St. John XXIII Lions (8-5)
9. Cypress Christian Warriors (9-10)
10. Kinkaid Falcons (10-10)