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Whataburger Team of the Week: Cypress Ridge Softball’s Magical Run Reaches Round 3
Following a second-place finish in District 17-6A, the Lady Rams have kept the momentum rolling—sweeping Lamar in the opening round before edging Fulshear, 7-6, in a decisive Game 3 this past Saturday to claim the Area crown.
Now, Cy Ridge (18-10) aims to keep the magic alive, facing Pearland (32-5) in a pivotal best-of-three series in this week’s 6A Division 1 Regional Semifinals.
Cy Ridge defeats Fulshear in Game 3 of the Area Round (5/2/2026)
Leading the charge is reigning 17-6A Offensive MVP Ariel Arambula, a Texas Tech signee and the most dangerous bat in Hasselbring’s lineup. The senior is hitting just over .600, totaling 49 RBIs and a monstrous 15 home runs.
Arambula has also proven capable in the circle when needed, posting a solid 3.18 ERA across 14 appearances.
The ace distinction, somewhat surprisingly, belongs to a freshman. Right-hander Kayla Ortega is in the midst of an impressive debut, posting a 2.24 ERA with 158 strikeouts while also batting for .400 with 24 RBIs.
The lineup is further bolstered by Brianna Morales (Fr. 3B/C), Analia Hinojosa (Jr. 1B), Priscilla Garza (So. SS), Rose Ramos (So. C), and senior outfielder and captain Kaitlyn McIntyre.
Cypress Ridge will open its series against Pearland on Wednesday, with Game 2 set for Thursday and Game 3 (if necessary) on Friday. Each contest is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Cypress Falls High School.
Whataburger Team of the Week: Summer Creek Girls Hoops Completes Repeat Mission at State
Flower Mound’s Maci Pringle and Lorelei Ebert kept the Jaguars within striking distance early, trimming the margin to 21–19 at halftime. From there, however, SCHS dictated the tempo, applying constant pressure and capitalizing on scoring opportunities throughout the physical battle. The Bulldogs gradually built a comfortable fourth-quarter lead—stretching the margin to as many as 15—that held until the final buzzer.
Junior Erin Newsom proved instrumental on both ends of the floor, scoring 15 points, pulling down nine rebounds, and drawing the assignment of defending Flower Mound’s Pringle—efforts that ultimately earned her State MVP honors.
Summer Creek Jr. G Erin Newsom being presented with the 6A Division 1 State MVP AwardMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
Guard play was equally vital, highlighted by sophomore Ty’asia Young and junior Addison Martin—both named to the All-Tournament Team. Young delivered one of her finest performances of the season, pouring in 17 points with four assists while consistently finding inventive ways to set up her teammates. Martin added 14 points, once again weaponizing her relentless motor across every phase of the game.
Though typically known for lighting up the scoreboard, Kennedy Simpson displayed remarkable composure despite a quieter night in the box score. Still the rock of the team, the senior Tulane signee contributed in other ways, pulling down seven rebounds, adding three steals, and recording an assist.
Perhaps Summer Creek’s greatest asset—one that helped Marshall’s stacked roster finish 34–4 and claim its second UIL title—is its evident lack of ego, a trait mirrored by the head coach.
“Our biggest focus this year was staying together,” said Marshall. “Sometimes teams like this can fall apart because everyone wants to be the show. These girls bought into what you saw tonight: it can be anybody’s night. They cheered loudly for Erin when she was named MVP, and it would be the same for any of them. To be that selfless isn’t typical. They just played basketball and played together, which was so impressive to see as a coach.”
Summer Creek didn’t just win a championship—they defined what it means to play as a team. And for a squad this tight-knit, the story doesn’t end here—it’s only the beginning of a legacy.
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)