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Some of the stars of 2025-26 Clear Springs Chargers Softball
BACK FOR MORE: No. 5 Clear Springs seeks to replicate last season's record-setting Austin trip
Some may point to the graduation of standouts such as Erianna Garcia (Abilene Christian), Eryn Polite (Florida A&M), Jenna Hashaw (San Jacinto CC), and Grace Hirst (Lamar State CC–Port Arthur) as potential setbacks. But make no mistake: Clear Springs is here to stay. Head coach Jennifer Knight still fields an exceptionally explosive batting order, retaining nearly all of its top talent.
Clear Springs So. SS Makenzie ThomasFarrah Sheeren (VYPE/Phlox Photography)
Sophomore Makenzie Thomas is a bona fide powerhouse, following a freshman showing in which she batted just under .400, hit 15 home runs, and drove in 44 RBIs. Naturally, Thomas earned District 24-6A Newcomer of the Year honors before representing Team USA at the WSBC U-15 World Cup in July.
Senior outfielders and sisters Alana and Emily Strever provide a veteran presence on a relatively young roster and rank among its most consistent hitters. The family dynamic continues with sophomore catcher Elisa Garcia stepping into the role previously held by her older sister Erianna, while sisters Brynley (OF) and Brooke Colianni (IF) are poised to make a strong impact.
The Chargers’ mantra in 2026, “Back For More,” says it all: Clear Springs is primed to remind audiences of exactly what they’re capable of.
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Tomball's Gemma Hopkins (Jr. L)
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Dawson Eagles vs. Clear Springs Chargers (6A-D1 Region III)
Dawson Eagles
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
WHEN: Monday, November 3rd -- 7:00 PM
WHERE: Friendswood High School
Fresh off a commanding 3-0 sweep of Fort Bend Travis, Dawson enters with a 38-4 record and the momentum of an undefeated District 22-6A title run.
Dawson’s star-studded cast begins with senior outside hitter — and 2025 Homecoming Queen — Avery Koonsen, an SFA-commit who’s delivered a staggering 453 kills and nearly 500 receptions this fall. Her all-around play makes her a frontrunner for 22-6A Offensive Player of the Year – if not District MVP – honors.
On the backline, Jenna Thedford (Texas A&M-commit), last year’s Defensive Player of the Year, anchors the back row with close to 600 digs.
The setting duo of Taylor Ranney (642 assists) and freshman Alexa Koonsen (414 assists) keeps Dawson’s tempo relentless, while senior hitters Sloane Ranney, Keaton Points, and Isabella Tijernia round out one of the deepest rotations in the region.
If the Eagles advance, it would mark their eighth trip to the Regional Tournament in nine years — a testament to the consistency and culture that coach Lauren Leth has built within the program.
Across the net, Clear Springs arrives at 35-10, carrying its fourth consecutive district title and a 3-0 sweep of Summer Creek in the opening round. Head coach Shannon McClellen’s Chargers are no strangers to postseason pressure and have the offensive firepower to potentially match Dawson point-for-point.
Leading the charge is Caylee Young, a Texas Tech-bound junior whose blend of athleticism and shot variety has yielded 511 kills, 688 receptions, and 368 digs — one of the most complete stat lines in the state.
Lianna Kearns (Sr. L), committed to Concordia University, has surpassed 600 digs, while junior setter Mady Powell (739 assists, 344 digs) and sophomore defensive specialist Aubree Svoboda (316 digs, 604 receptions) provide steady hands and reliability.
For Clear Springs, an upset would mean more than just toppling Houston’s No. 1 team — it would secure the program’s first trip to the Regional Semifinals since 2022.
Clear Springs Chargers
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Tomball Cougars vs. College Park Cavaliers (6A-D2 Region II)
Tomball Cougars
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
WHEN: Tuesday, November 4th -- 5:30 PM
WHERE: Klein Cain High School
While Tomball was solid a year ago, the team has experienced a drastic ascension throughout this campaign under head coach Jordan Williams. The Cougars return to the Area Round with a 38-6 record, fresh off a 3-1 victory over Waller and riding the confidence of one of the city’s most highly-rated clubs.
Senior outside hitter Heidi Horan sets the tone on offense, with 371 kills and 315 digs, anchoring a frontline that also features sophomore Kinsley Moretti, who has emerged as a potent scoring threat with nearly 300 kills, and junior middle hitter Taylor Choate (219 kills, 61 blocks).
Behind the net, freshman setter Greysen Ortmeier has orchestrated the offense with just under 1,000 assists, while junior libero Gemma Hopkins remains the team’s rock, with 546 digs and 466 serve receptions.
College Park enters at 31-11, carrying the momentum of a late-season surge that saw them win 14 of their last 16 matches. After a decisive sweep over Eisenhower in the opening playoff round, head coach Candice Collins-Gibson’s Cavaliers are riding a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent.
Baylor-commit Lacy Tinnell has worked wonders in the middle, racking up 343 kills and 86 blocks this year, while senior outside hitter Reese Ellen has contributed 211 kills.
On the back row, seniors Macie Fralix and Caroline Prihoda (Kentucky commit) share setting duties, each with just under 500 assists, stabilizing the offense despite Prihoda missing time earlier in the season.
Furthermore, CP has a breakout star of its own, given that freshman libero Abby DiMatteo 476 digs to her name.
College Park Cavaliers
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Friendswood Mustangs vs. Lake Creek Lions (5A-D2 Region III)
Friendswood Mustangs
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
WHEN: Tuesday, November 4th -- 6:30 PM
WHERE: New Caney High School
After dispatching Nederland 3-1 last week, Friendswood heads into Round 2 touting a 34-9 record and the confidence of a team built for longevity.
There’s no doubt who the alpha of the group is for coach Sarah Paulk's unit, as Florida-bound senior Nadi’ya Shelby has powered Friendswood through sheer athleticism and technique — tallying well over 400 kills to anchor one of the region’s most dynamic offenses.
While Shelby rightfully draws much of the attention, sophomore Elaina Holtvluwer has thrived on the opposite pin, adding 269 kills to help diversify the attack.
Of course, the Mustangs’ success stems from their structure as much as their star power.
Senior setter Caroline Adams (Navy-commit) has orchestrated the offense with precision, totaling nearly 800 assists and close to 200 digs, while senior libero Haley Patton (North Dakota-commit) steadies the back row with more than 450 digs. Together, they give Friendswood a measured rhythm and resilience that’s carried them through a demanding schedule.
Lake Creek, on the other hand, continues to embody the idea that records don’t always tell the whole story.
Despite entering the matchup at 19-23, coach Kayli Kane and the Lions have emerged from one of the toughest districts in the state — featuring powerhouses like College Station, A&M Consolidated, and Montgomery — and are coming off a convincing series sweep over West Fork in the Bi-District round.
Something the Lions can hang their hat on is the considerable balance they’ve displayed offensively.
Junior Ryan Mokry (330 kills), senior Taylor Woods (280), and sophomore Shelby Lee (276 kills, 269 digs) form a capable core at the net, while senior middle Kansas Lamar (160 kills, 82 blocks) adds size and experience up front.
Meanwhile, freshman setter Sutton Breck Tessier has emerged as a revelation — logging 831 assists and 249 digs in her debut season — and fellow freshman Louisa Ertischek has anchored the defense with more than 450 digs.
Lake Creek Lions
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
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