No changes at the top of the state softball rankings this week, but may be a bunch next week since many top teams will be at the Michelle Carew Classic starting Wednesday. The Livermore Stampede also is attracting a strong field including many top NorCal ranked squads.
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(Through games of Saturday, April 1; Previous ranking in parentheses)
1. (1) Norco 14-0
Head coach Rick Robinson’s squad also is No. 1 in the nation by FloSoftball, MaxPreps and the USA Today coaches’ poll. The Cougars almost are at the point where one loss may not cost them those rankings, either.
2. (2) Los Alamitos 11-2
Dream scenario for the Michelle Carew Classic would be a No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup between Griffins and Norco. If that happens, though, it would be in the semifinals, not the final.
Terra McGowan is one of the leading hitters for powerhouse Mission Viejo. Photo: OCSidelines.com.
3. (3) Lutheran (Orange) 11-2
Before going to the Michelle Carew Classic, the Lancers have to play a Rosary of Fullerton squad in the Trinity League that just beat Mater Dei.
4. (4) Gahr (Cerritos) 12-0
The Gladiators put up nine runs in the top of the first on the way to a 12-0 win over Summit of Fontana on Saturday.
5. (5) Mission Viejo 9-4
Terra McGowan homered, doubled and went 3-for-5 with five RBI in 11-2 win over Capistrano Valley. Diablos may have to play La Habra in their second game at Michelle Carew event.
6. (6) Rio Mesa (Oxnard) 13-0-1
One week after their big move into the Top 10, the Spartans had last week off.
7. (7) Great Oak (Temecula) 6-2
The Wolfpack haven’t added to their resume since getting those wins over La Habra and San Marcos that jumped them up in the rankings.
8. (8) San Marcos 12-4
All four of this team’s losses this season have come to teams ranked in the top 10, including those to No. 7 Great Oak of Temecula, No. 1 Norco and twice to No. 2 Los Alamitos.
