Now that the UIL Softball postseason has finally arrived, it is time for the bracketology to commence.
Plenty of action and excitement awaits Houston fan-bases over the next month, and it all starts with the opening round.
Here are just some of the more pivotal clashes in store for audiences, as the playoffs begin this week.
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Alvin Yellowjackets vs. Clear Brook Wolverines
Doug Brown (VYPE)
The Yellowjackets enter the postseason as one of the top clubs in H-Town.
After finishing right behind Pearland in the District 23-6A standings, Alvin currently maintains a record of 25-4 and seems poised for a deep run in the playoffs.
Coach Kelly Bembry certainly has plenty of talent to work with on her roster.
Senior pitcher Matti Matthews (North Texas-signee) has performed brilliantly from the mound, having eclipsed 300 career strikeouts a month ago and has an uncanny repertoire alongside her catcher Abby Ptak (Boston College).
Their lineup is just as effective, with Kamryn De Leon, Kiley Huffman, and Rebekah Cavazos leading the way.
Don't count out Clear Brook just yet, though. They have some have heavy-hitters of their own.
Texas-signee Lien Brister is as elite as they come, with an exceptional stat-line (0.466 BA, 32 RBIs, 38 R, 9 HR) to back that claim.
She's complemented efficiently by Miranda Carroll, Estrella Rowe, and Ahiza Garcia.
Following their third-place finish in District 24-6A, coach Katy Cave and the Wolverines will look to keep their season alive when their series against Alvin begins this Thursday.
GAME 1: Thursday (6:30 pm) @ Clear Brook HS
GAME 2: Friday (6:30 pm) @ Alvin HS
GAME 3 (If needed): Saturday (6:30 pm) @ Santa Fe HS
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Clear Springs Chargers vs. Dawson Eagles
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
After claiming silver in District 24-6A, Clear Springs (19-8) looks to keep their hot-streak intact when they take to their home field against Dawson on Thursday.
Under the direction of head coach Jennifer Knight, the Chargers' base-hitting has been outstanding, with the offense scoring over 200 runs on the season, thus far.
Erianna Garcia and Emma King (Wisconsin-signee) have been the center-pieces of the team's talented lineup, as they are currently batting for 0.488 and 0.439, respectively.
Additionally, the bull-pen -- headlined by Jenna Hashaw (2.10 ERA, 65 Ks) and Beth Ann Johnston (2.62 ERA, 50 Ks) -- has been equally essential to Clear Springs' success.
On the Dawson side, the Eagles (19-7-1) are coming off a third-place finish in a district that features fellow contenders Pearland and Alvin.
Their defense has been clicking on all cylinders, thanks in large part to senior pitcher Cara Pitman (Houston Christian-signee), who surpassed 300 career strikeouts a week ago.
Batting-wise, Dawson's features the talents of Emily Mullen, Caroline Roth, and Evey Dieudonne, among others.
Both of these teams were well-within our top-20 6A teams entering the playoffs, so it will be interesting to see how this matchup plays out.
GAME 1: Thursday (6:30 pm) @ Clear Springs HS
GAME 2: Friday (6:30 pm) @ Dawson HS
GAME 3 (If needed): Saturday (6:30 pm) @ Dawson HS
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Crosby Cougars vs. Manvel Mavericks
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
Crosby (27-6; 11-2 in district) returns to the postseason on the heels of placing second in a district that features the likes of softball heavy-weights, Barbers Hill and Port Neches-Groves, which also makes them one of the top teams in all of Class 5A.
The Troy Fox-led Cougars are propelled by the talents of Ally Mooneyham (Nicholls State-signee), Morgan Lloyd (Wichita State), Kaelin Hicks (San Jacinto), Bell Land (Bossier Parish CC), and Brylee Holmes (Oklahoma Wesleyan).
After reaching the Area Round in 2023, Crosby will look to repeat that effort and more when they face off against an equally-talented Manvel team.
Speaking of which, the Mavs (20-10-1; 8-4 in district) are in the midst of an exemplary turn-around season, as they narrowly missed out on the playoffs a year ago.
Coach Alex Meng has an arsenal of weapons to utilize, beginning with senior pitcher Ryley Nihart.
The Northwestern State-signee has been phenomenal from the mound, with a record of 18-5, an ERA of 1.06, and a ridiculous 238 strikeouts to boot.
On the batting side, Manvel is bolstered by junior catcher Jaylie Miller (0.446 BA, 35 RBIs, 11 HR), Skylar Frederick (0.393 BA, 19 RBIs, 5 HR), and Carley Williams (0.379 BA, 10 RBIs, 1 HR).
This could be the most vital series in the Bi-District round, so it's one you won't want to miss.
GAME 1: Friday (5:30 pm) @ Manvel HS
GAME 2: Saturday (11:00 am) @ Crosby HS
GAME 3 (If needed): Saturday (After Game 2) @ Crosby HS
