GAMES
RANKINGS
In their 2nd-straight appearance at State, Kingwood eyes its first-ever championship
THE FINAL INNINGS: 2025 UIL State Softball Preview -- Kingwood v. Forney (6A-D2)
Two of the state’s premier softball programs will collide Saturday afternoon (1:00 PM), as Kingwood and Forney meet in the UIL Class 6A-Division II State Final at Red & Charline McCombs Field on the University of Texas campus.
Kingwood (33-4-1) returns to the State Tournament for the second straight year and fifth time in program history.
Under the guidance of second-year head coach Christa Williams-Yates, the Mustangs have surged through the playoffs, most recently sweeping Dripping Springs in the semifinals. After a 7-1 win in Game 1, they closed the series with a dominant 16-6 run-rule victory in Game 2.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Senior catcher and Virginia Tech-signee Mia Gagliardi was nearly unstoppable in the series, racking up nine RBIs with two home runs and two doubles. Leilani Garcia added a crucial three-run shot to help punch Kingwood’s ticket to Austin.
With standout players like Stanford-bound shortstop Addyson Sheppard and sophomore ace Hunter Quentel, Kingwood is eyeing its first-ever state title.
The Mustangs also boast key depth in the form of sophomore first baseman Kendall Yates, junior utility player Frei Pizzaro, and senior outfielder Abella Mata—each of whom brings poise to a well-rounded squad.
Forney (34-2-1) enters the championship with momentum of its own.
The Jackrabbits outlasted Dripping Springs in a three-game semifinal series, sealing the deal with a 6-3 win in Game 3.
This marks Forney’s sixth all-time appearance at State and their first since 2019. They captured their only title in 2018 with a 4-1 win over Foster.
Veteran head coach Pat Eitel leads a senior-heavy roster with college talent across the board.
Pitcher/first baseman Cailey Slade (Bossier Parish CC), third baseman Savanna Villarreal (Howard College), shortstop Eva Daniels (North Texas), second baseman Emma Boren (East Texas Baptist), and first baseman Ashlyn Oscars (Austin College) provide experience and production.
Additionally, freshman catcher Ryann Harris adds a spark behind the plate.
With both programs carrying strong regular-season resumes and playoff-tested rosters, Saturday’s final promises a competitive, high-energy showdown with a state title on the line.
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The stars of 2024-25 Ridge Point Girls Soccer
BRACKETOLOGY: Previewing the Top Clashes of H-Town Soccer in the Regional Semis
With a trip to the Regional Finals on the line, here’s a look at some of the more enticing matchups taking place in Round 3 of the UIL Soccer Playoffs.
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GIRLS -- Ridge Point Panthers vs. Seven Lakes Spartans (6A-D1 Region III)
Alex Hinson (VYPE)
Under Coach Evelyn Torres, Ridge Point has continued its dominance, securing a sixth consecutive undefeated district title (14-0) before rolling past Sam Rayburn (8-0) in the bi-district round.
The Panthers then edged Summer Creek in a tense PK shootout (1-1; 3-1 SO) on Tuesday, improving to 22-2 on the season.
Anchored by one of the state’s stingiest defenses – allowing just 10 goals in 24 games – Ridge Point also boasts a high-powered attack, netting 124 goals (over five per game).
Senior captains Cameryn Letellier (MF/F), Emma Lovell (D/F), and Laurel Kelley (MF/F) provide the experience and leadership that have propelled the Panthers beyond last season’s area-round exit.
Now, they’re eager for a return to Georgetown for the first time since 2023.
Standing in their way is Seven Lakes, a program equally determined to get back to the state stage after falling in last year’s State Semifinals to eventual 6A champion Prosper.
The Spartans (16-4-2), led by Coach Kaitlyn Eidson, have advanced with dominant wins over Alief Hastings (11-0) and Cy-Fair (2-1), carrying significant momentum into this showdown.
Like Ridge Point, they also claimed a district title and feature a deep, talented senior class.
Key players include Olivia Orellana (ULL-commit), Kennedy Reed (UTSA), Chloe Callahan (St. Edward’s), Victoria Ott (F), Sophia Ferro (MF/F), Lainey McGee (D), Maria Castro (MF/D), Evangeline Li (MF), and Madison Holland (MF/F).
These two state contenders will battle for a spot in the Regional Final this Friday (March 28) at 6:30 PM at Tully Stadium.
BOYS -- Alief Elsik Rams vs. Atascocita Eagles (6A-D1 Region III)
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Alief Elsik isn’t far removed from the State Tournament, last reaching the Final Four in 2019 and winning the 6A Title the year prior with a 1-0 victory over San Antonio Reagan.
While the Rams have yet to return to that stage, they’re making a strong case in 2025, entering the Regional Semifinals with a stellar 21-2 record and a No. 8 state ranking (MaxPreps).
Led by Coach Vincenzo Cox, Elsik opened the playoffs with a commanding 7-3 win over perennial Katy ISD power Cinco Ranch before proving their resilience in a dramatic 2-1 overtime victory against Houston Lamar.
Now, they look to surpass last year’s third-round exit and continue their march toward Georgetown.
The Rams have relied on strong senior leadership, with Matthew Rodriguez (ST), Chris Guillen (MF), Asa Marsh (W), and Jacob Ordonez (D) playing pivotal roles in their success.
However, Atascocita won’t be an easy hurdle.
The Eagles have battled through one of the toughest districts in Texas, finishing third in 23-6A before making a strong playoff push.
They secured a 1-0 win over Deer Park in the first round, followed by a gritty 2-1 overtime victory against Pearland, improving to 15-4-7 on the season.
Coach Jed Garner’s squad is having its most successful campaign to date and isn’t looking to slow down.
Key contributors include Victor Garcia (Jr. MF/F), David Henriquez (Sr. D), Miguel De La Cruz (Jr. F/MF), and Carlos De La Cruz (Sr. D/MF), all of whom have played vital roles in Atascocita’s postseason success.
Elsik and Atascocita will clash on Friday at 6:30 PM at Galena Park ISD Stadium, with a trip to the Round 4 on the line.
GIRLS -- Tomball Cougars vs. Forney Jackrabbits (6A-D2 Region II)
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Tomball hasn’t missed a step from last season, when the Cougars went four rounds deep in the playoffs, before UIL’s restructuring split 6A into two divisions.
Now, under Coach Victoria Parsons, they find themselves in a familiar position, advancing to the Regional Semis following hard-fought wins over Cy Woods (2-1 OT) and College Park (3-0).
Sitting at 16-2-3, Tomball boasts a well-balanced squad with firepower up top in Gabby McCuistion (Sr. F), Ella Taylor (So. F), and Tatum Greensage (Sr. F).
The midfield is anchored by Emily Fowlkes (Sr. MF) and Mikaela Corral (Sr. MF), while Adrianna Glass (Jr. GK) leads a steady backline that has been tough to break down.
However, they’ll have a serious test against a dominant Forney squad.
The Jackrabbits (21-1) enter the matchup ranked No. 12 in Texas (MaxPreps) and are riding high on a 20-game winning streak.
Their only loss came in early January against Sachse (2-1), a team still alive in the 6A-D1 playoffs.
Coach Trisha Williamson’s squad rolled through District 10-6A unbeaten (12-0) and has shown no signs of slowing down, dismantling Rowlett (8-0) and Harker Heights (9-0) in the first two rounds.
Forney’s high-powered attack—responsible for 118 goals in 22 games—features standouts like Madalynn Putnam (Jr. F), Addison E. Smith (So. F), and Kalani Brundage (So. F). Meanwhile, their defense has been equally impressive, conceding just 12 goals all season.
This pivotal Regional Semifinal showdown is set for Friday at 6:30 PM at Belton ISD Stadium.
BOYS -- Kingwood Park Panthers vs. B.F. Terry Rangers (5A-D2 Region III)
After reaching the fourth round of the playoffs last season, Kingwood Park once again finds itself in a similar situation, preparing for a showdown with B.F. Terry in the UIL 5A-D2 Region 3 Semifinals.
The Panthers are no strangers to deep postseason runs, and this year is no exception.
Entering the matchup with a stellar 19-3-2 record, Coach Christian Boehm’s squad has been in top form, securing playoff victories over Rudder (4-2) and Port Arthur Memorial (2-0). With momentum on their side, they have no plans of slowing down now.
Kingwood Park’s attack is led by a talented core, including Chase Bennett (Sr. MF/F), Grant Jimerson (Sr. F), Blake Lawson (Sr.), Jonathan West (Sr.), and Kye Wehby (So.).
As they push for their first state tournament appearance since 2021, they’ll have to get past a formidable opponent.
B.F. Terry (20-1-2) has been dominant all season, suffering just one loss— a narrow 1-0 defeat to, coincidentally, Kingwood, a team still competing in the 6A-D2 playoffs.
The Rangers stormed through District 22-5A with an 11-0-1 record before making a statement in the postseason, defeating Waltrip (6-3) and Georgetown (4-1).
Like Kingwood Park, Terry bowed out in the fourth round last year but is determined to break through in 2025.
Under Coach Drew Brenk, the Rangers feature a high-powered offense, led by senior striker Runyambo Muco (34 goals, 10 assists), alongside midfielders Samir Mohammad Nasim (19 goals, 12 assists) and Jesus Rivas-Guzman (17 goals, 24 assists).
Defensively, junior goalkeeper Jesus Rendon has been rock solid, backed by an experienced backline.
With a trip to the Regional Final on the line, Kingwood Park and B.F. Terry will battle in what promises to be one of the most exciting matchups of the week. The action kicks off Thursday at 7:00 PM at Cy-Fair ISD’s Pridgeon Stadium.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)