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Lake Creek's Madalyn Davis
THE OPENING ACT: H-Town's Biggest Questions entering the UIL Softball Postseason
But beneath the stats and standings, key questions are on everyone’s mind.
Can Lake Creek, still unbeaten, recapture the magic of its recent title runs and extend its reign as a 5A juggernaut?
Will Kingwood, armed with a battle-tested roster and elite coaching, turn last year’s semifinal heartbreak into a championship breakthrough?
And is this finally the year Katy—backed by one of the most loaded lineups in the state—climbs back to the top of the 6A mountain?
The postseason will provide answers. But for now, these questions set the stage for what could be a historic stretch of softball in the Houston area.
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Is Lake Creek back?
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
As the playoffs begin, one question looms large: Can this year’s Lake Creek squad carry on the legacy built by one of Texas’ most dominant dynasties?
All signs point to yes.
With a perfect 27-0 record heading into the postseason, Lake Creek enters the Class 5A playoffs as the No. 1-ranked team in Texas, according to both MaxPreps and VYPE Houston.
While comparisons to the golden era of Ava Brown (Florida), Maddox McKee (LSU), and Kalee Rochinski (UTSA) are inevitable, this year’s team has shown it has the tools to replicate that success.
Under the leadership of Coach Candyce Carter, the Lions boast a deep and dangerous lineup led by standout hitter Madalyn Davis, a North Carolina-commit.
In the circle, the dominant one-two punch of Sara Wiggins (Wichita State) and Chesney Davis (Texas State) has consistently overpowered opposing lineups.
As the Lions begin their march through the 5A-Division II bracket, the expectation isn’t just to contend—it’s to win. With poise, talent, and momentum on their side, Lake Creek looks poised to bring another UIL state title back to Montgomery.
So, if you're wondering that 'Lake Creek is back?', the truth of the matter is...they never left.
How will Kingwood respond?
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Rewind to last spring, when Kingwood Softball made its first UIL State Tournament appearance since 2013, sweeping favored Katy in the Region III Final before falling to eventual state runner-up Midway in the semifinals.
Now, with that experience under their belt, the Mustangs return with nearly every key contributor from that memorable run—setting the stage for another deep postseason charge.
Headlining the roster is a core packed with collegiate-level talent: Addy Sheppard (Stanford-commit), Mia Gagliardi (Virginia Tech), Hunter Quentel (So. P), and Leilani Garcia (Sr. IF).
Their chemistry, poise, and competitive edge form the backbone of a team that knows what it takes to win in the pressure of playoff softball.
Guided by legendary coach Christa Williams-Yates and her experienced staff, Kingwood continues to elevate its program’s standard.
The Mustangs battled through one of the toughest districts in the state—23-6A—earning a co-championship with Summer Creek, and proving they can thrive against elite competition.
With an experienced roster and reliable leadership, Kingwood enters the postseason with a clear goal: return to Austin, and this time, finish the job.
***Kingwood will be competing in the UIL 6A-Division II Bracket
Can Katy finally seal the deal?
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
It’s no secret that Katy continues to thrive as a softball powerhouse—and 2025 is no exception.
Heading into the postseason with a dominant 31-1 record, the Tigers are ranked No. 3 in Texas by MaxPreps and second in the Houston area by VYPE.
Under first-year head coach Meghan Burrell, the program hasn’t missed a beat, securing its 10th consecutive district title and setting its sights on something even bigger.
Because for Katy, district championships are just the beginning.
Fueled by a roster stacked with top-tier talent, the Tigers are built for a deep run.
Ella Kate “EK” Smith (Oklahoma), Lauryn Soeken (LSU), Montgomery Henderson (Oklahoma State), Hailey Gore (Houston), Avery Porter (Missouri), and Madison Smith (North Carolina State) lead a lineup that boasts both power and poise.
On paper, they look like a team destined for Austin.
Though Katy is no stranger to playoff success, the ultimate prize has eluded them since their 2019 state title. And this year, the hunger to return to the top is evident.
As the Tigers begin their journey through the Class 6A-Division I bracket, the question is simple: Is this the year Katy reclaims the throne?
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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
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)