It's area round of UIL softball playoffs: Key storylines, players to watch in Coastal Bend

The high school softball playoffs have reached the area round, and Coastal Bend squads are beginning to feel a little more playoff pressure.

This week will feature some all-local matchups and here are some storylines and players to watch as the second round begins as early as Wednesday this week.

UIL Softball Playoffs: All Coastal Bend matchups

Calallen vs Ingleside

This could be a trap game for the Wildcats, and it has been a few weeks since they have been pushed in a game. Calallen's experience will come into play, but a one-game scenario makes this an interesting crap shoot for the Mustangs. First-year coach Kevin Lewis won the flip and will play the one game he wanted, now they have an opportunity to knock off the state champs.

Bishop vs Sinton

This could be the best series of all this weekend in all classifications. The Pirates (22-7-1) won the District 30-4A title and are looking for their first trip to the regional quarterfinals since 2022. The Badgers (26-10), meanwhile, are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2022, when they advanced to the regional final in Class 3A. This game features multiple players who were among the leaders in multiple area statistical categories this year, including Sinton ace Jamie Burch and Aylah Medrano. Bishop can counter with pitcher Aubrie Rios (197 strikeouts) and Ayla Gonzalez (45 RBIs). This is a toss up and could go the distance.

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2024 UIL Softball Playoffs: Test time in 2A

It is the time of year when students are doing multiple exams during school, and it's also a test week for area Class 2A squads. Riviera, Woodsboro, Three Rivers and Freer are still alive in the area round but face some stout competition this week, including a defending state champion.

This was also the same round Coastal Bend Class 2A squads were ushered out of the playoffs in 2023. Riviera faces off against regional quarterfinalist Ganado, Three Rivers takes on Charlotte and Freer faces off with 2023 regional finalist Freer. Woodsboro, meanwhile, faces defending Class 2A state champion Weimar.

2024 UIL Softball Playoffs: Players to watch in the area round

Here's a look at five Coastal Bend softball players to watch in the area round

Braelyn Bailey, Calallen

Bailey hit two home runs in last week's rout against Raymondville, and she is a key bat in the Wildcats already stout lineup.

Alyssa Burdge, Veterans Memorial

Burdge hit two home runs in one game and had seven RBIs in the same one, and if she can stay hot that is a key for the Eagles in the postseason.

Sidney Castillo, Woodsboro

Castillo has racked up a bunch of strikeouts this season, but facing Weimar is the strongest test she has faced all season. Can she pass it?

Kiley Flores, Carroll

Was 5 for 8 with eight RBIs in a sweep of Rio Grande City last week.

Skyler Ramos, Riviera

This is a big week for the Seahawks and if they want to keep playing, she has to have another big game in the circle and at the plate against Ganado.

Kadence Trevino, Hebbronville

Trevino and the Longhorns face off against Lyford, a tough test for a team that was battled tested in District 30-3A.

Kylee Ward, Ingleside

If the Mustangs want to upset defending state champ Calallen, Ward will have to slow down the Wildcats lineup.

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: UIL Softball Playoffs: Corpus Christi storylines, players to watch