GAMES
RANKINGS
THE TIER LIST: VYPE DFW Preseason Softball Rankings; Melissa, Guyer flexing early on
Contrary to what the current chilly temperatures might indicate, the spring edition of the UIL season is officially underway, marking the start of the race toward Red & Charline McCombs Field.
In the Dallas-Fort Worth region, the Melissa Cardinals are the early favorites, and for good reason.
After a historic 2024 season, Melissa not only reached the State Tournament for the first time in program history, but they also secured the UIL-5A Title.
What’s even more daunting for opponents is the return of nearly the entire championship roster, including State MVP Caigan Crabtree (Texas-commit), along with All-Tournament selections Alexandra Starr (Michigan State), Kennedy Bradley (Florida), and Amariee Bradford (So. IF).
Shifting focus from the 5A favorites, Denton Guyer, fresh off their second consecutive State Final Four appearance, is aiming for a third trip out of Region I, with no intention of settling for another bronze medal.
Other 6A powerhouses, such as Keller, Forney, and Southlake Carroll, are expected to make noise this season, while Aledo, Centennial, and Walnut Grove will lead the charge in 5A.
While predicting the season's outcome is never an exact science, here are VYPE's top softball teams from DFW to watch as the 2025 campaign begins.
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*Parentheses indicates current district
*Last section indicates 2024 result
VYPE DALLAS-FORT WORTH SOFTBALL TOP-10 (Class 6A-4A)
1. Melissa Cardinals (13-5A) -- 38-2-1; 11-1 in District (UIL-5A State Champions)
2. Denton Guyer Wildcats (5-6A) -- 37-5; 13-1 (State Semifinalists)
3. Keller Indians (4-6A) -- 29-11-2; 12-0 (Regional Finalists)
4. Forney Jackrabbits (10-6A) -- 38-5-3; 12-0 (Regional Finalists)
5. Aledo Bearcats (5-5A) -- 35-4; 12-0 (State Semifinalists)
6. Southlake Carroll Dragons (4-6A) -- 34-10 (Regional Semifinalists)
7. Centennial Spartans (8-5A) -- 32-9; 15-1 (Regional Finalists)
8. Walnut Grove Wildcats (13-5A) -- 38-5; 14-0 (Regional Semifinalists)
9. Plano West Wolves (6-6A) -- 24-14-1; 8-6 (Regional Semifinalists)
10. Wakeland Wolverines (12-5A) -- 24-10; 11-3 (Regional Semifinalists)
Honorable Mentions: FM Marcus (5-6A), Timber Creek (4-6A), Sanger (9-4A), Hebron (5-6A), Aubrey (10-4A)
Plano West gears up for last leg before the playoffs
With just a handful of games to go before the playoffs begin, Plano West is working hard to improve their record in district battles against tough opponents. Following a first-place finish in their district standings last year and a playoff appearance that ended in a battle against Prosper in which Plano West was sent home, the Lady Wolves are on a mission to finish strong this season. VYPE DFW takes a look at the team so far:
So Far
The team opened their season strong with a couple of victories over South Grand Prairie and Allen. Fighting hard through non-district play, the Lady Wolves already had an impressive overall record before even entering district play (15-3). Plano West secured incredible victories over non-district opponents like Keller, Highland Park, McKinney, McKinney North, McKinney Boyd, Hockaday, and more while allowing only 18 sets to be won against them and winning 43 sets of their own.
Plano West opened up district play on the road with a sweep in sets over Coppell (3-0) before also taking down Plano, Lewisville, and Flower Mound Marcus in the same fashion. The team's only two losses in district play have come against Plano East and their second matchup against Plano.
Led by the likes of Kate Mansfield, Aajaylah Zeno, Kaitlyn Brewer, Blaire Bowers, Reese Poerner, Katlyn Vo, Ella Willenborg, and others, this Lady Wolves squad has shown resiliency and strength each time they have made an appearance on the court
What's Ahead
As the team currently sits in the second-place spot in their district standings-- just behind Plano East-- they gear up to face off against Flower Mound Marcus on 10/13 on the road. Then, the team will take on Plano East on the road with the determination to bounce back from their previous meeting and secure a victory. From there, the Lady Wolves take on Hebron before closing out district play at home against Flower Mound.
Fans can expect the Lady Wolves to remain focused. Driven and ready to play strong against the rest of their district opponents, Plano West is a strong competitor that can enter playoffs with impactful victories. Be sure you catch this team in action through the rest of district play.