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Episcopal School of Dallas seals championship victory
Led in scoring by Virginia commit Sean Browne and Josh Logan among other talented performances on the field from their athletes, the Episcopal School of Dallas boys lacrosse team sealed the deal for their sixth overall championship victory-- first since 2019.
Despite heartbreaking losses in the state semifinals and state finals last year and the year before, it has been clear that ESD has been on a mission from the very beginning. Ready to reclaim their title, the lacrosse team took on several challenges throughout the year that ultimately led them right back into the playoffs and eventually into the state tournament. Fighting tooth and nail without hesitation or a moment of doubt, the athletes continued to play every game as if it were their last game of the season; reaping the benefits of hoisting the championship trophy with a 12-10 victory over The Woodlands in the state championship game. In the game, Browne scored a resounding five goals while Logan scored four of his own.
Head coach Jay Sothoron had only incredible things to say about this squad as they showcased not only skill, but impeccable leadership this season: "The last two years we lost at the state semifinal game by a goal and the state championship by a goal so we have been close," said Sothoron. "This year's team just got better every week. We dealt with a lot of injuries and had to beat three very good teams in the playoffs to win the state championship."
"Our young men just brought a different level of toughness and grit," Sothoron continued. "We made mistakes, but our work ethic and resilience were the foundation of success for us. We were able to put The Woodlands in a lot of pressure situations which caused turnovers that we capitalized on. This year's group played with an intensity that they are not going to lose. I n the end, we won as a team where our kids did not car who got the individual accolades. They played together and they earned the right to be state champs!"
With the offseason to prep for next year, fans can expect this squad to come back with the same tenacity and resilience that has led them deep into the playoffs for several years running. The team has the ability to record a repeat, but for now they deserve the well-earned chance to celebrate their championship!
STATE PREVIEW: Five DFW area softball teams have a chance to win it all
Fans have seen preseason games and tournaments, district play, and the beginning of playoffs all come and go. After grueling matchups against tough competitors, the moment has arrived: the 2022-23 UIL Softball State Championship. VYPE DFW dives into the five Dallas-Fort Worth area teams that have a shot at bringing home the title!
Decatur Lady Eagles (33-9, 9-1)
4A Semifinal, 4 p.m., Thursday, June 1 against Liberty
Led by standout senior pitcher Macey Jones (19-4), senior Chayse Freeman, juniors Ryanne Murphree and Abby Mosley, sophomores Madi Moreland and Alexa Beeson, and more incredible athletes, the Decatur Lady Eagles are making their third state tournament appearance. With high defensive IQ and strong performances at the plate, the Lady Eagles have given it their all from the start to the finish of each game this season. Defeating teams like Iowa Park (4-3), Denison (10-0), Fort Worth Castleberry (20-1), Bridgeport (15-0), Lake Worth (12-0), and more, Decatur has outscored their opponents by a combined 173 runs so far. Finishing 9-1 in district play, the Lady Eagles jumped into playoffs ready to get the job done.
Decatur has ended the season of Wichita Falls, Sweetwater, Graham, Dumas, and Burkburnett en route to the state tournament. As the team prepares for Liberty (36-8, 10-0), fans can expect them to do everything it takes to put up a strong fight during the semifinals matchup. Ready to advance to the state title game, Decatur will play smart on the field and can be expected to never give up their fight!
Aubrey Lady Chaparrals (34-7, 8-0)
4A Semifinal, 7 p.m., Thursday, June 1 against Corpus Christi Calallen
Led by freshman Abby Buxton, sophomores Tamia and Mya Cherry, Molly Reid, and Keeli Fuller, juniors Brooklyn Weier and Brynlie Dunkin, seniors Bree Jones and Abby Hammett, and more, the Aubrey Lady Chaparrals have put in the effort necessary to lead them to their fourth appearance in the state tournament. The team opened their season with a six-game win streak-- having several double-digit victories over their opponents. Shutting out 18 opponents so far this season-- including huge victories over Frisco Centennial (17-0), Richardson (18-0), Sanger (17-0), Dallas Wilmer-Hutchins (16-0), and more-- the Lady Chaparrals have allowed only 74 runs against them so far this season; scoring 341 of their own. The team finished first in their district with an undefeated 8-0 record before nearly flawlessly working through their playoff opponents.
Aubrey has ended the seasons of Wilmer-Hutchins, Kennedale, Venus, Sulphur Springs, and Van Alstyne while allowing only five runs throughout the playoffs. As the team gears up to face Corpus Christi Calallan (29-6-2, 8-2), fans can expect the same tenacity that has powered them thus far. Expect a strong outing from this incredible team as they look to advance to the state championship game against the winner of Liberty vs. Decatur.
Frisco Heritage Lady Coyotes (35-3, 12-0)
5A Semifinal, 7 p.m., Friday, June 2 against Montgomery Lake Creek
In their first-ever state tournament appearance, Frisco Heritage's softball program is looking to make waves. Led by senior pitcher Jensin Hall, seniors Kailey Sweezey, Amari Simmons, Madelyn Garza, juniors Allie Crow, Allie Lazar, Maddison Young, Ahna Van Meter, sophomore Kaira Netzel, freshman Samantha Riley, and more, the team has had an outstanding season already. Finishing 12-0 in district play, the team took the first place spot in their district with victories over the likes of Frisco Liberty (14-0), Frisco Independence (10-0), Frisco Memorial (10-1), Emerson (10-0), and more. With incredible defensive strategy, the Lady Coyotes have allowed only 41 runs all season-- only four in district play.
Frisco Heritage has ended the seasons of The Colony, Mesquite Poteet, Frisco Wakeland, Melissa, and Frisco Lone Star. The team is prepared to take on a tough squad in the defending 5A State Champions- Montgomery Lake Creek (42-1, 14-0). Fans can expect the Lady Coyotes to put up a tough battle for the Lady lions with high hopes of advancing to the state championship game.
Colleyville Heritage Lady Panthers (36-7, 11-3)
5A Semifinal, 1 p.m., Friday, June 2 against Comal Canyon
Finishing second in their district standings- just behind a tough Argyle squad- the Lady Panthers posted an 11-3 district record en route to playofs this season. With fantastic pitching depth and strong batters, the Panthers have outscored their opponents this season by a combined 252 runs. From the start of the season, Colleyville Heritage took off without looking back; posting a 12-0 start against their preseason opponents. The team went on to defeat the likes of Denton (21-3), Argyle (8-4), Richland (5-0), Birdville (10-2), Denton Ryan (19-7), and more throughout district play. As the team headed into playoffs, they never slowed down.
Throughout the playoffs, Colleyville Heritage has ended the seasons of Joshua, Fort Worth Brewer, Richland, El Paso Hanks, and Justin Northwest. With impressive victories already in the playoffs-- including a 23-0 victory over Richland, the Lady Panthers have never been more prepared for the next set. Facing a semifinal matchup against Comal Canyon (32-0, 14-0) isn't going to be an easy feat, but the Lady Panthers have what it takes to put up a fight against this undefeated team. Fans can expect to see a great game as Colleyville Heritage looks to punch their ticket to the state championship game. If they win, they will face the winner of Frisco Heritage and Montgomery Lake Creek.
Denton Guyer Lady Wildcats (37-1, 14-0)
6A Semifinal, 7 p.m., Friday, June 2 against Bridgeland
Making their second state tournament appearance, the Lady Wildcats are back at the biggest stage in high school softball for the first time in 13 years. A strong lineup made up of seniors Avery Jefferson, Paige Luzader, Tehya Pitts, juniors Jordan Osborne, Kaylynn and Lauryn Jones, sophomore Briana Willaims, and more, the offense has been causing a ruckus from the start of the season. A strong defense led by freshman pitcher Finley Montgomery (with a 21-0 pitching record on the season) has helped guide the Lady Wildcats to many victories this season. The Lady Wildcats went undefeated through preseason and district play- posting 35 consecutive wins before their first loss came in a playoff battle against Keller just last week. Denton Guyer has defeated the likes of Coppell (15-5), Grapevine (3-2), Wylie (15-6), Denton Braswell (11-0), and more throughout their season.
So far, the Lady Wildcats have already eliminated Flower Mound Marcus, Plano West, Southlake Carroll, and Keller from playofs. The team will be looking to do the same on Friday as they take on Bridgeland (36-7, 13-1) in the state semifinals matchup. Bridgeland, a tough team to matchup with, will work hard to throw Guyer off their track, but the Lady Wildcats definitely have wht it takes to bring the whole thing home this season. Fans can expect nothing short of excellence from this Denton Guyer squad.