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FULL TIME: 2025 TAPPS-D1 Girls Soccer State Final Preview -- St. Agnes vs. Ursuline Academy
Out of Houston, St. Agnes Academy boasts one of the most dynamic attacks in Texas, paired with a stifling defense that has overwhelmed opponents all season.
The Tigers stormed into the TAPPS-DI State Final in Round Rock after a dominant playoff run, including a 13-0 rout of Incarnate Word Academy, a 7-0 victory over Antonian College Prep, and a commanding 4-0 semifinal win against St. Michael’s Catholic.
Led by Coach Josh Dolan, St. Agnes features a talented roster highlighted by first-team all-state selections Kaydee Amorosa (Sr. MF/Texas Tech commit) and Samantha DeCuir (Jr. D). Second-teamers Madison Taylor (Jr. F) and Grace Rossetti (Sr. D) have also played key roles in the team’s success.
After falling in last year’s state semifinals, the Tigers are determined to cap off their stellar season with the program’s first TAPPS title since 2020.
Standing in their way is a familiar powerhouse.
Defending back-to-back champions Ursuline Academy is back on the big stage, aiming for their third straight after edging past Bishop Lynch in a dramatic semifinal shootout (1-1, 5-4 PKs). The Bears, now 20-2-1, also rolled past Liberty Christian-Argyle (13-0) and John Paul II (5-0) earlier in the playoffs.
Guided by Coach Darrin Hedges, Ursuline enters the final as Texas’ No. 4-ranked team, according to MaxPreps.
First-team all-state forward Audrey Bryant (Sr./Texas-commit) spearheads the offense, supported by second-team selections Laila Nieto (Sr. MF), Makenzie Majors (Jr. F/TCU-commit), and junior playmaker Lily Marquez.
On defense, second-team honoree Ellie Teachout (Sr. D) and standout junior Ryan Fogel have helped limit opponents to just 12 goals all season.
With both teams showcasing dominance throughout the winter, this championship matchup promises to be a thrilling showdown.
Will Ursuline cement its dynasty with a third straight title, or will St. Agnes play spoiler and reclaim the crown? The answer awaits Wednesday morning at 9:30 AM at the Round Rock Multipurpose Complex.
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THE PINNACLE: UIL Volleyball State Final Preview -- Bellville vs. Decatur (4A-D1)
As we touched on in their State Semis preview, it's been no secret that Bellville is a perennial title-contender, dating back to 1984, when they won it all in their State-debut.
19 appearances in the UIL State Tournament over the past four decades speaks for itself. But, this particular group just seems special.
The Brahmanettes (44-5) took down the reigning UIL-4A champion Davenport in a five-set thriller on Tuesday, giving coach Susan Brewer and company the opportunity to capture the program's first championship since 2005.
Considering the level of play that Bellville has maintained throughout this Fall, knocking off any challenger that comes in their path, it appears that the title is theirs to lose.
However, Decatur might have something to say about that.
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In each of the previous five times (2013, 2014, 2018, 2020, 2021) that they have reached the State-level of the playoffs, the Eagles have stepped off the court as UIL champions.
After sweeping Celina on Tuesday night, Decatur (31-13) now intends to go 6-for-6, under the direction of coach Stormi Snider.
Despite the odds, this squad has subverted expectations time and time again, which means they are not to be underestimated at this stage.
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In what could easily be a five-setter, these two Class 4A juggernauts will face each other Friday night (6:00 pm) at the Curtis Culwell Center, with championship glory on the line.