GAMES
RANKINGS
Whataburger Team of the Week: Cypress Ridge Softball’s Magical Run Reaches Round 3
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.

RECRUIT SCOOP: Nation's No. 1 OT in 2028 Cy Ranch's R' Monie Edwards talks recruitment
2028 Cypress Ranch four-star offensive tackle R'Monie Edwards got ranked as the number one player in the state of Texas and number one offensive tackle in the country earlier this offseason.
Edwards was a key piece to the Mustangs offense last fall starting at left tackle protecting Houston-commit quarterback Braden Baker.
For Edwards, being ranked as the number one player in the state and number one offensive tackle was a blessing but he understands the work only gets harder from here on out to remain as the top ranked player.
"It honestly means a lot to me to be ranked as the number one player in Texas and number one OT," Edwards said. "It's a blessing but I just got to keep working until my senior year to still end up being the top player in the state and the number one tackle in the nation."
Edwards recruitment picked up this offseason as well following the rankings dropping as he holds offers from the likes of Texas, Texas A&M, Florida, Nebraska and Ole Miss to name a few.
The Cy Ranch offensive tackle has also been making his rounds out to spring practices and spring games this offseason to some big time programs.
"Last weekend I was at Texas A&M for their spring game and a couple days before that I was at Arizona State," he said. "I've also been to Texas and Oklahoma this spring as well."
Edwards also mentioned that schools like USC, UCLA, Oregon, Ohio State and Auburn have all been in contact as of late and he plans on making trips up to a few of those schools this summer.
As for his upcoming junior season, the number one offensive tackle plans on perfecting his craft to help the Mustangs make another deep playoff run in 2026.
"I really am trying to get stronger, increase all my max's in bench, squat and power clean and be able to do the things guys are doing at the college level," Edwards said. "I also want to work on my footwork and get my fundamentals down going into the season."































