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Bridgeland's Lilli Piersons
THE BREAKDOWN: The can't miss 6A Regional Quarter softball matchups; photo gallery
All the unexpected developments that took place in the Area Round -- Bellaire upsetting Katy, Heights defeating Cinco Ranch, Kingwood shutting out Brazoswood – are exactly what makes this game so interesting to watch. You never know what might happen!
With the Regional Quarters set to take place this week, one can only hope for similar excitement on the diamond.
Given the superfluous number of powerhouse teams primed to face off, here are VYPE’s picks for the best series matchups to watch in the third round.
H-Town 6A Standouts: Kennedy Hill (Jr. OF/IF)--Heights
Jamie Wright (VYPE)
No. 1--Deer Park Deer v. Atascocita Eagles
2022-23 Deer Park Softball
Jamie Wright (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 21-8/District 22-6A Champions
Head Coach: Amy Vidal-Bush
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 10-0, Game 2: W 19-1) v. C.E. King
- Area Round: 2-1 Series Win (Game 1: L 3-5, Game 2: W 5-4, Game 3: W 5-4) v. Alvin
2022-23 Regular Season: 25-6/District 21-6A Champions
Head Coach: Ashley Boyd
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 14-0, Game 2: W 18-3) v. Pasadena Memorial
- Area Round: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 2-1, Game 2: W 5-3) v. Dawson
Leave it Deer Park to recollect themselves after a tough 3-5 loss on Alvin's home field.
The Deer showed their mettle by winning out the remainder of the Area Round series against the Yellowjackets, in two nail-biters no less.
Coach Vidal-Bush's group is surging at the perfect time, with their key senior play-makers--Bryanna Fuentes (IF), Erin Perez (C), Angelina Morales (1B), Lorelei Graham (OF), pitcher Aubrey Graham, proving exactly why they advanced to the State Semifinals a year ago.
However, Atascocita will be sure to put up a fight to advance.
Oklahoma-bound Kasidi Pickering was one of the primary driving forces behind the team's sweep over Dawson. The senior center-fielder went 4-for-6, with a double and two RBIs, while senior SS Raegan Jennings (2-5, 2 R, RBI), and freshman OF Marigny Thomas (2-5, 3 R, RBI, HR) provided the finishing touches to what was a decisive series for the Eagles.
This matchup may determine more than just who punches their ticket to the Regional Tournament. The winner of this series could potentially be the projected front-runner for the 6A Title.
2022-23 Atascocita Eagles Softball
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
No. 2--Kingwood Mustangs v. Pearland Oilers
2022-23 Kingwood Mustangs Softball
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
Kingwood Mustangs
2022-23 Regular Season: 26-6/Finished 2nd in District 21-6A
Head Coach: DeWayne Singletary
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 12-2, Game 2: W 10-0) v. Channelview
- Area Round: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 1-0, Game 2: W 6-0) v. Brazoswood
2022-23 Regular Season: 28-3/District 23-6A Champions
Head Coach: Laneigh Clark
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: 13-0 Win v. Clear Brook
- Area Round: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 1-0, Game 2: W 8-4) v. Summer Creek
Kingwood has showcased their remarkable consistency through the first two rounds of the UIL Class 6A Playoffs.
Through two series (4 games), the Mustangs' bullpen, headlined by UTSA-signee Meredith Schmitt (Sr. RHP), has only allowed two runs. What more needs to be said?
Despite facing an equally stingy pitching corps at Brazoswood, the Kingwood bats were opportunistic and showed up when needed. Expect their seniors--Lanie Macicek (OF), Hailey Harvey (UTL), and catcher Tara Wolocko--to keep up this trend as they move on the face Pearland.
Speaking of, the Lady Oilers are fresh off the heels of defeating a red-hot Summer Creek team in another series sweep.
A stacked roster full of college-commits in Hailey Golden (Texas-A&M), Kristyn Whitlock (SHSU) and Abigail Gutierrez (UT-Arlington), with an experienced coach like Laneigh Clark at the helm, sure sounds like a recipe for success.
Believe us when we say this was a difficult series to put as the No. 2 series to watch.
2022-23 Pearland Softball
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
No. 3--Heights Bulldogs v. Ridge Point Panthers
2022-23 Heights Softball
Jamie Wright (VYPE)
Heights Bulldogs
2022-23 Regular Season: 25-2-1/District 18-6A Champions
Head Coach: Lamont Robins
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 12-2, Game 2: W 14-3) v. Stratford
- Area Round: 2-1 Series Win (Game 1: W 7-6, Game 2 L 1-11, Game 3: 7-1) v. Cinco Ranch
Ridge Point Panthers
2022-23 Regular Season: 21-7/Co-District 20-6A Champions
Head Coach: Lindsey Gage
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: 16-8 Win v. Tompkins
- Area Round: 5-0 Win v. Cy-Fair
On the other hand, Ridge Point is a powerhouse in their own right.
Senior RHP Bailey Gray was incredibly efficient in the Panthers' single-game series against Cy-Fair. Not only did she throw a shutout against an imposing Bobcats lineup, but she also knocked in two runs to give Ridge Point the advantage they needed to finish off their 5-0 victory.
Look for Gray, paired with fellow stars Jade Uresti (Sr. IF), Braelyn Daniels (So. C/OF) and senior IF Reagan Green to make some noise in the three-game series.
This is one of the more unpredictable series of the Regional Quarters, which makes it that much more interesting.
Some of the stars of 2022-23 Ridge Point Softball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
No. 4--Bridgeland Bears v. Spring Lions
2022-23 Bridgeland Bears Softball
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 27-5-1/Co-District 16-6A Champions
Head Coach: Candi Weige
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: 4-1 win v. Klein
- Area Round: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 6-0, Game 2: W 5-4) v. Conroe
Spring Lions
2022-23 Regular Season: 21-8/District 14-6A Champions
Head Coach: Julie Wyrick
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 4-2, Game 2: W 10-1) v. Oak Ridge
- Area Round: 2-1 Series Win (Game 1: W 4-2, Game 2: L 1-2, Game 3: W 7-3) v. Cy Woods
Bridgeland solidified themselves as Title contenders with their series sweep against a red-hot Conroe team.
The Bears delivered a statement win in the series opener, smacking the ball over the fence four times, while denying the Tigers of a rebuttal in Game No. 2 to secure their playoff advancement.
Senior SS/C Lilli Piersons highlighted the gun-show, hitting for a .625 batting average through the series, while batting two runs in, scoring two herself, with a home run tacked on.
Other performances of note include that of senior LHP/OF Haylie Stum (3-7, 2 RBI, 2 R, HR), senior UTL Trinity Allen (3-7, 2 R, RBI, HR), not to mention Sydney Jackson (Jr. RHP) throwing for an 0.00 ERA, with 11 K's, while hitting a homer for herself.
The Spring Lions are a difficult team to pin down, given how any one of their players have the potential to go off.
Spring's thrilling matchup against Cy Woods showcased how effective their bullpen 's one-two punch of Isabella De Los Santos (Sr.) and sophomore London Park can be. Each threw 11 strikeouts during the series, while De Los Santos and Park threw for an ERA of 2.33 and just over 1.00, respectively.
The Lions' batting proved to be imposing as well, particularly with freshman 3B/C Hailey Jones-Calais going 4-for-8, with two RBIs, three runs scored, and a home run. In addition, Mariah DeBose (Sr. CF) could be a game-changer at the plate, considering the impressive stats she put up in Game No. 3 (1-3, 3 RBI, R, 3B).
2022-23 Spring Lions Softball
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
No. 5--Langham Creek Lobos v. Klein Collins Tigers
2022-23 Langham Creek Softball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 25-7/Co-District 16-6A Champions
Head Coach: Michele Biffle
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 11-1, Game 2: W 8-0) v. Klein Oak
- Area Round: 2-1 Series Win (Game 1: W 7-6, Game 2: L 7-10, Game 3: 2-0) v. New Caney
Klein Collins Tigers
2022-23 Regular Season: 26-7/District 15-6A Champions
Head Coach: Meghan Fisher
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 3-1, Game 2: W 6-0) v. Cy Ranch
- Area Round: 2-1 Series Win (Game 1: W 3-1, Game 2: L 2-13, Game 3: W 11-7)
Langham Creek is picking up steam heading into this week's matchup against Klein Collins.
The Lobos took care of business in their three-game series against a staggering New Caney team. Although she hit a few snags on the mound through games one and two, senior RHP Emily Simmons showed her mettle in the shutout series clincher, capping her strikeout totals at 13.
Simmons was even more impressive at bat, going 4-for-7, with three RBIs, a pair of runs, plus a homer. Furthermore, junior OF/1B Lindsay Durham hit for .500, while tacking on two RBIs and two runs scored.
Klein Collins has already outshined their 2022 performance (Bi-District Finalist) which was punctuated by their exhilarating series win against the The Woodlands, but they don't plan on stopping now.
The Tigers have talent to spare. From junior right-hander Savannah Carter and Arianays Garcia (Jr. C), who each played key factors in their team's victory over TWHS, to Za'Riya Bell-Morris (So. OF) and senior IF Daniela Gutierrez who are sure to play major roles in the decisive series against Langham Creek.
2022-23 Klein Collins Softball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
OTHERS TO WATCH
2022-23 Jersey Village Softball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Jersey Village Falcons (16-14-1/Finished 2nd in District 17-6A) v. Bellaire Cardinals (14-12/Finished 2nd in District 18-6A)
Some of the stars of 2022-23 Deer Park Softball
THE BIG TICKET: VYPE’s Top-5 can't-miss Class 6A playoff series
In the process of various must-watch Bi-District matchups, the number of teams in the UIL tournament has been cut in half. Fortunately for the Houston area, dozens of local ball clubs still remain.
As so many top teams are rearing to face off this week in the 6A Area Round, it’s truly a great time to be a fan.
Without further ado, here are VYPE’s picks for the best series matchups to watch this week.
H-Town 6A Softball Standouts: Savannah Carter (Jr. RHP)--Klein Collins
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
No. 1 -- Conroe Tigers v. Bridgeland Bears
Conroe Softball celebrates their playoff berth
Photo provided John Cisneros (Conroe Booster Club)
No. 1--Conroe Tigers v. Bridgeland Bears
Conroe Tigers
2022-23 Regular Season: 21-8/Tri-District 13-6A Champions
Head Coach: Danna Rice
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: 23-0 win v. Dekaney
2022-23 Regular Season: 27-5-1/Co-District 16-6A Champions
Head Coach: Candi Weige
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: 4-1 win v. Klein
This series should be on the top of your must-watch list in H-Town softball.
Conroe has experienced a meteoric rise this year, after finishing 6th in 2021-22 to become the Tri-District Champs (first District Title in school history) this Spring.
It all comes down to the performance of their stars -- Alisa Sneed (So. OF), Skylar Green (Fr. 2B), and their ace on the mound freshman RHP Eva Lantagne (.400 Season BA, 200 career Ks) -- who each continue to power the Tigers’ surge.
Bridgeland is carrying similar momentum and playoff experience, having advanced to the Regional Quarterfinals in 2022.
The Bears handled Klein with class in the first round as several key pieces -- senior UTL Trinity Allen (2-3, 3 RBI, R, HR), junior OF Chayne Allen (2-4, R, 2B) and senior LHP/OF Haylie Stum (1-3, RBI) -- led the way.
In addition, junior RHP Sydney Jackson had herself a game on the mound with a 0.00 ERA with 9 Ks, surpassing her 300th career strikeout in the process.
This is the game to watch folks.
2022-23 Bridgeland Bears Softball
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
No. 2 -- The Woodlands Highlanders v. Klein Collins Tigers
2022-23 TWHS Softball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 22-10/Tri-District 13-6A Champions
Head Coach: Tim Borths
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 13-0, Game 2: W 17-0) v. MacArthur
Klein Collins Tigers
2022-23 Regular Season: 26-7/District 15-6A Champions
Head Coach: Meghan Fisher
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 3-1, Game 2: W 6-0) v. Cy Ranch
On the Klein Collins' side, they’re as dangerous as it comes.
It all starts with their pitching, headlined by junior RHP Savannah Carter who had a tremendous Bi-District weekend. She had at 0.093 with 23 Ks (passed the 250 season milestone), with five hits on offense to boot.
Furthermore, look for Devyn Davenport (So. C/3B) and Za’Riya Bell-Morris (So. OF) to keep the pressure on The Woodlands' defense.
2022-23 Klein Collins Softball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
No. 3 -- Deer Park Deer v. Alvin Yellowjackets
2022-23 Deer Park Softball
Jamie Wright (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 21-8/District 22-6A Champions
Head Coach: Amy Vidal-Bush
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 10-0, Game 2: W 19-1) v. C.E. King
2022-23 Regular Season: 20-8/Finished 2nd in District 23-6A
Head Coach: Kelly Bembry
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District Matchup: 11-0 Win v. Dickinson
Deer Park is on a mission to surpass their 2022 form, advacing to the State Semifinals.
Considering they have numerous returning starters with playoff experience -- Erin Perez (Sr. C), Aubrey Graham (Sr. P), Bryanna Fuentes (Sr. IF) and Angelina Morales (Sr. IF) to name a few -- they know what to expect.
The first-round routing they handed to C.E. King is indicative of the star-power Deer Park brings to the diamond.
However, don’t count out Alvin just yet.
The Jackets counter with SS Reagan Jones, Veronica Harrison (Sr. 1B), Matti Matthews (Jr. P), Kiley Huffman (Jr. OF) and junior 2B Kamryn De Leon.
Similarly to Deer Park, they established their dominance in Round No. 1 (11-0 win v. Dickinson) and they don’t plan on slowing down.
2022-23 Alvin Yellowjackets Softball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
No. 4 -- Pearland Oilers v. Summer Creek Bulldogs
2022-23 Pearland Oilers Softball
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 28-3/District 23-6A Champions
Head Coach: Laneigh Clark
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: 13-0 Win v. Clear Brook
Summer Creek Bulldogs
2022-23 Regular Season: 23-10-1/Finished 3rd in District 21-6A
Head Coach: Gabe Castillo
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: 2-1 (Game 1: L 8-13, Game 2: W 9-3, Game 3: W 5-2) v. Dobie
Pearland entered the UIL playoffs as one of the top-ranked teams in Texas, and after their 13-0 win against Clear Brook, nothing has changed.
Coach Laneigh Clark has top-to-bottom premier talent on her roster, from senior OF Hailey Golden, to their ace Abigail Gutierrez (Sr. P/IF), and her experience in the postseason speaks for itself.
The Lady Oilers were Regional Finalists in 2022, but they anticipate to reach even further this Spring.
Summer Creek is coming off a thrilling two-win comeback after dropping the first game against a formidable opponent in Dobie.
In the final game which sealed the series for the Bulldogs, the key contributors to the offensive effort were senior CF Hailey Akers (1-3, 3 RBI, 2 R, 2B), sophomore OF/RHP Cali Chapman (3-3, RBI, 2B) and senior Hilary Akers (2-4, R).
Another player to look out for will be Summer Creek’s Miranda Peña, who secured a 1.00 ERA with 16 strikeouts in Game No. 3 against Dobie.
2022-23 Summer Creek Softball
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
No. 5 -- Cinco Ranch Cougars v. Heights Bulldogs
2022-23 Cinco Ranch Softball
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
Cinco Ranch Bulldogs
2022-23 Regular Season: 18-9/Finished 2nd in District 19-6A
Head Coach: Suzanne Reeve
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 2-0, Game 2: W 11-2) v. Fort Bend Travis
Heights Bulldogs
2022-23 Regular Season: 25-2-1/District 18-6A Champions
Head Coach: Lamont Robins
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 12-2, Game 2: W 14-3) v. Stratford
Cinco Ranch knocked off Fort Bend ISD power FB Travis. Junior SS Faith Piper set the tone for the Cougs, going 4-for-5 with 2 RBIs, 3 runs scored and a triple.
On the mound, senior RHP/1B Chela Kovar delivered a stellar showing with a 1.00 ERA with 11 strikeouts in the two-game sweep. Look for those two, along with Savannah Henningson (Jr. IF) and freshman C/IF Madison Royce, to keep making noise.
After winning their district (18-6A) in undefeated (12-0) fashion, the Bulldogs outclassed Stratford in the Bi-District round. Throughout their series sweep, Heights’ bats were on fire with senior 3B/IF Sydney Palomo (5-7, 7 RBI, 4 R, HR), senior C Angelina del Pozo (4-7, 5 RBI, R, 2B, HR), and sophomore OF Helen Maddux (3-7, 4 RBI, 3 R, 2B, HR) padding their stats.
The Bulldogs’ bullpen was just as effective as junior RHP Haylie Jaime (2.80 ERA, 10 Ks) and sophomore right-hander Sara Paniagua (0.00 ERA, 4 Ks) make up a deadly pitching combo.
2022-23 Heights Bulldogs Softball
Jamie Wright (VYPE)
OTHER GAMES TO WATCH
2022-23 Atascocita Eagles Softball
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
Atascocita Eagles (25-6/District 21-6A Champions) v. Dawson Eagles(25-7/Finished 3rd in District 23-6A)
Katy Tigers (28-4/District 19-6A Champions) v. Bellaire Cardinals (14-12/Finished 2nd in District 18-6A)
Brazoswood Buccaneers (25-5/District 24-6A Champions) v. Kingwood Mustangs (26-6/Finished 2nd in District 21-6A)
Ridge Point Panthers (21-7/Co-District 20-6A Champions) v. Cy-Fair Bobcats (19-13/District 17-6A Champions)
Langham Creek Lobos (25-7/Co-District 16-6A Champions) v. New Caney Eagles (21-12/Tri-District 13-6A Champions)
Jersey Village Falcons (16-14-1/Fin. 2nd in District 17-6A) v. George Ranch Longhorns (19-8-1/Co-District 20-6A Champs)