Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.
VYPE Austin Softball Scene: 2020 UIL, TAPPS & SPC Teams To Watch
Austin High had a remarkable run to the 2019 UIL 6A Region IV final and its six returning starters will contribute to another successful season in 2020. The Maroons also expect big things from Jayda Lafluer, Natalie Guerrero, Natalie Davis, Lexie Aleman and Karina Serna.
Elgin finished the 2019 season as a UIL 5A Region III area round finalist, but returners Kiana Gibson, Emma Neidig and Morgan Heine plan to achieve more in 2020.
Cedar Park is coming off a UIL 5A Region III bi-district finish in 2019, and the return of Katy Kahlich and Reagan Hillis can produce another playoff run in the 2020 season.
Lake Travis has a motivated group of players and coaches after it missed the 2019 UIL 6A softball postseason. Expect Emma Craver, Paige Connors and Jami Watson to have major roles in returning the Cavaliers to their normal form in 2020.
Along with the teams mentioned above, also keep an eye on Leander, Austin Bowie, Georgetown East View, Pflugerville Weiss, Hays, Round Rock Cedar Ridge, Round Rock and Pflugerville Hendrickson in the UIL 5A and 6A playoff races.
In small school public school action, Thorndale remains a team on everybody's radar. The Lady Dogs lost a heartbreaking extra inning UIL 2A state championship game to fellow Central Texas program Crawford in 2019, so notable players Riley White, Jayci Martinka and Katelyn Casey are motivated to continue their program's tradition in 2020.
Bartlett marched to the UIL 1A Region IV final during the 2019 season and have the necessary players back in Andrea Rivera, Jasmin Fletcher and Jana Nowinsky to make more noise in the 2020 campaign.
Thrall advanced to the UIL 2A bi-district round in 2019 and can surpass that with returning talents Addison Leschber, Jessie Cole and Aubrie Henderson in 2020.
Other small school playoff contenders include Fredericksburg, Giddings, La Grange, Schulenburg, Liberty Hill, Blanco and Salado.
In private school action, Brentwood Christian School will be a threat in TAPPS because of the return of junior Aurora Tyson. Other area competitors include Round Rock Concordia, Hyde Park, Austin St. Dominic Savio Catholic, Hill Country Christian School of Austin, Round Rock Christian Academy, San Marcos Hill Country Christian School, Texas School For The Deaf and Faith Academy of Marble Falls.
The local SPC race will be a fight to the finish. Austin St. Andrew's Episcopal School will be in the mix for a SPC tournament appearance because of its deep roster, which includes Daniela Youngberg, Ana Castillo, Caroline Martineau, Mia Tobias, Jordan Kappler and Anna Jackson. A rivalry win against Austin St. Stephen's Episcopal School will also go a long way in achieving that goal.
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