Everyone loves a great story, right? A Cinderella story.
And right now, there may be no bigger Cinderella in Houston than the Cypress Ridge softball team.
The Rams had never reached the playoffs — not once since the school opened. Now, they find themselves in the third round, facing perennial powerhouse Pearland.
Under Coach Paige Hasselbring and her “Row the Boat” mantra, this scrappy squad has surged to a second-place district finish and beyond. Led by senior Ariel Arambula and freshman standout Kayla Ortega, Cypress Ridge has become the talk of the hallways.
The student body is all in. The community is all in. And honestly… why not?
Because everyone loves a Cinderella story — especially when it’s still being written.
Go inside the Ram program on the eve of their third round playoff series with VYPE’s Matt Malatesta and Alex Hinson.
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Jack Yates is back.
Under the leadership of Coach James Lewis, the Lions are building on an impressive 11-1 season that included an undefeated run through district play. But as spring football unfolds, one word is driving this team: Finish.
Last year, Yates saw its playoff run end early after running out of steam in the second round. This season, the mission is clear — go further.
The program is also seeing strong alignment from top to bottom, led by principal Stephanie Square, a proud Yates alum and former four-sport athlete. That unity is helping restore a powerful sense of pride throughout the school.
With former Lions returning to pour into the next generation and give back to the Third Ward, the energy around Yates is undeniable.
VYPE stopped by for a Spring Tour visit — and the message is loud and clear: the Lions are hungry for more.
WATCH HERE
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Everyone loves an underdog story, and the softball field rarely disappoints. Last year, it was Clear Springs—not only upsetting the heavily favored Katy Tigers in the third round of the playoffs, but ultimately advancing to the 6A Division 1 state title game.
This spring, however, an equally remarkable feat has taken shape, as Cypress Ridge has surged onto the H-Town scene. Head coach Paige Hasselbring and company set a program milestone in April, punching their first-ever ticket to the UIL postseason.
Following a second-place finish in District 17-6A, the Lady Rams have kept the momentum rolling—sweeping Lamar in the opening round before edging Fulshear, 7-6, in a decisive Game 3 this past Saturday to claim the Area crown.
Now, Cy Ridge (18-10) aims to keep the magic alive, facing Pearland (32-5) in a pivotal best-of-three series in this week’s 6A Division 1 Regional Semifinals.

Leading the charge is reigning 17-6A Offensive MVP Ariel Arambula, a Texas Tech signee and the most dangerous bat in Hasselbring’s lineup. The senior is hitting just over .600, totaling 49 RBIs and a monstrous 15 home runs.
Arambula has also proven capable in the circle when needed, posting a solid 3.18 ERA across 14 appearances.
The ace distinction, somewhat surprisingly, belongs to a freshman. Right-hander Kayla Ortega is in the midst of an impressive debut, posting a 2.24 ERA with 158 strikeouts while also batting for .400 with 24 RBIs.
The lineup is further bolstered by Brianna Morales (Fr. 3B/C), Analia Hinojosa (Jr. 1B), Priscilla Garza (So. SS), Rose Ramos (So. C), and senior outfielder and captain Kaitlyn McIntyre.
Cypress Ridge will open its series against Pearland on Wednesday, with Game 2 set for Thursday and Game 3 (if necessary) on Friday. Each contest is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Cypress Falls High School.

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