2022-23 TWCA Softball
Coach Kate Maddock will throw her youngsters into the fire this season but feels confident they can hold their own.
“We are going be really young this year, but those young players are really talented,” she said. “This team is fun...the chemistry is great and we are trying to win the close games in the district this year that we barely lost last year. We are right there.”
TWCA's Katie WiseJamie Wright (VYPE)
The team strength will be on defense as senior Katie Wise moves to third base, move-in Alexis Osterhaus will play catcher and incoming freshman Reagan Rohrlich will patrol the shortstop position.
Rohrlich is a Top 5 national softball recruit on the showcase circuit and combines power, speed, and athleticism.
TWCA's Reagan RohrlichJamie Wright (VYPE)
Osterhaus moved to The Woodlands from Maine and is another college-level athlete who hits from the left side and is rangy on defense.
TWCA's Alexis OsterhausJamie Wright (VYPE)
“I can’t wait to see what our young players will bring to the table this year,” she said. “Add that to our five seniors and their leadership and it’s a recipe for success.”
Hold on Warriors, the future is looking bright between the lines.
Second Baptist's Olivia "Livy" Sauvageau
Consistency is key on the court, and SBS has no trouble delivering on that on at annual basis.
The Eagles have captured three consecutive, undefeated district titles -- the most recent of which coming off a stellar 22-5 regular season (10-0 in district) en route to their third-straight appearance in the TAPPS-5A State Championship.
SBS' Trio of Senior Stars: (Left to Right) Kate Marshall, Olivia Walker, and Ella RyanJustin Hartojo (VYPE)
So, who takes the baton next season?
Olivia “Livy” Sauvageau will run the show. The junior point guard was the TAPPS District 5-5A MVP, first-team all-state and was named to the State's All-Tournament Team.
“I’m working on being a more vocal leader, which will be important for the younger players,” said Sauvageau. “I have always been good at leading by example, but for us to win, I will need to set the tone by being vocal.”
Claiming an undisputed MVP selection is no easy feat, especially when you share the court with a surplus of top-notch talent that SBS had in its arsenal.
However, Sauvageau has not so subtly emerged as one of the Eagles’ most essential assets on the hardwood, having already earned three all-state nods and two district MVPS.
“It has required a lot of extra training and work,” Sauvageau said. “Every day, I’m trying to do a little more to improve on all parts of my game, but I enjoy it. Being on a team at SBS has been a lot of fun. Our coaches have plenty of experience. The practices are well planned out, so we all feel prepared and are on the same page for each opponent we face.”
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
Considering that she has been competing alongside Walker, Ryan and Marshall for the last three years, Sauvageau recognized the impact the three have had on her, particularly their relationship and her own progression with them.
“They [Walker, Ryan, and Marshall] were such a big part of the program,” said Sauvageau. “Due to the time we’ve spent together over the past three years, they’ve become like family to me. We’ve created memories we’ll never forget. Watching them leave is sad, but they left a great legacy and example for players to come.”
The new captain will need to rally a new set of troops.
“With our three seniors leaving, we lost some strong players,” she said. “Therefore, everyone is going to have to put in the work and get better during the offseason so we can make another run next winter.”
Spoken like a true leader.
2022-23 Lutheran South Academy Baseball
The Pioneers have started off the Spring season like they were shot out of a cannon, winning nine out of their first ten games, which included an especially sweet series sweep over heated rival, Second Baptist, to begin district play.
Things have only improved for Lutheran South as they currently hold a 12-6 record, and are neck-and-neck with TWCA and FBCA for the top spot in their division (3-1 district record).
LSA's Blaine BirkelbachBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
LSA’s bullpen has been lights out through the first half of Spring Ball, particularly with junior RHP Roland Aguillon, senior LHP Blaine Birkelbach (2022 first-team all-district), RHP Logan Schmidt (Sr.), and RHP Zeke Ramirez (So.), on the mound.
In addition to the talent shown by the Pioneers’ pitching and defense, their batting has proven to be even more of a threat to opponents.
LSA's Victor Coronado (Left) and Marcus Cantu (Right) Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Sophomore IF/RHP Victor Coronado (Texas-commit), along with senior Catcher Ethan Hughes, 3B Rowdy Sowers (Sr.), freshman INF Marcus Cantu, and OF Brody Smith (So.), just to name a few, have been putting on a clinic while at bat.
LSA's Ethan HughesBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
With FBCA and St. John XXIII on tap, the remainder of their district schedule will begin LSA’s journey to reclaim their 2021 State Championship form.
Expect more action to come from the Pioneers.
LSA's Rowdy Sowers Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Join the #VYPETEAM
Get up to date news from all over the country!
