Sheldon of Sacramento gets to do the flip-flop with Rio Mesa after its avenging win over Elk Grove in conjunction with Elk Grove then later winning the top division at the NorCal Classic. Amador Valley also rejoins the Super 8 in place of Stockdale and Clovis.
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(Through games of Saturday, April 22; Previous ranking in parentheses)
1. (1) Norco 24-0
The big news for the Cougars isn’t their easy wins in the Big VIII League, but the ever-increasing career win total for the amazing Taylor Dockins, which reached an all-time Inland Empire best of 99 last week and should hit 100 this week. Norco also continues to be No. 1 in all national rankings, including the ones we do for FloSoftball.
2. (2) Los Alamitos 18-3
The Griffins had last week off after 10-0 wins the week before against Edison of Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley to improve to 4-0 in the Sunset League.
Sheldon head coach Mary Jo Truesdale shows off last year’s CIF Sac-Joaquin Section D1 title banner. Photo: John Hull/Elk Grove Sports.
3. (3) Gahr (Cerritos) 17-0
The Gladiators were another of several teams without a game last week due to the week after Easter. Keep in mind that Rio Mesa and Gahr could meet in CIF Southern Section Division II playoffs.
4. (5) Sheldon (Sacramento) 17-1
Sheldon’s 5-4 win over Elk Grove that avenged the team’s only loss was not easy. Entering the bottom of the seventh, the Huskies trailed 4-1. They were scheduled to play 16-2-1 Benicia in a non-league game on Monday.
5. (4) Rio Mesa (Oxnard) 19-0-1
Yes, we know it’s wierd that a team dropped one spot in the rankings after winning four games by a combined 59-0. But it’s not like the Spartans played tough teams and Sheldon deserved the bump. It can always flip back next week.
6. (7) Lutheran (Orange) 20-4
The Lancers won games by 9-0, 19-2 and 15-0 at the Best of the West tourney in Santa Maria and then blanked Alemany of Mission Hills 7-0 in the final.
7. (8) San Marcos 20-4
This team continues to strengthen its hold on the No. 1 ranking in San Diego. Wins last week were 10-4 vs. El Camino of Oceanside and 5-2 vs. Rancho Buena Vista.
8. (10) Amador Valley (Pleasanton) 14-3
With Danielle Williams pitching, the Dons will probably remain among the state’s top 10 until she graduates at the end of next season.
