Daily News’ final softball top 10 rankings, April 30
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FINAL SOFTBALL TOP 10
(CIF Southern Section playoffs begin Tuesday, May 3)
1. Oaks Christian (28-0): The Lions finish the regular season undefeated, including 15 wins in the Marmonte League. Senior Micaela Kastor is the frontrunner to be the Daily News Player of the Year.
Next up: Oaks Christian is the No. 1 seed in the CIF-SS playoffs and awaits the winner of a wildcard game between Valley View and Cypress.
2. El Camino Real (20-5): The City Section has one more week left in the regular season, but either way, all signs are pointing toward ECR having the No. 1 seed in the City Section Open Division playoffs next week.
Next up: vs. Chatsworth, Monday (West Valley League)
3. Saugus (21-7): The Centurions win the Foothill League crown by going 12-0 but will be on the road for the first round of the playoffs under first-year head coach Amanda Clark.
Next up: at Chino Hills, CIF-SS Division 1
4. Westlake (20-5): The Warriors finish second in the Marmonte League behind Oaks Christian thanks to the bats of Emily Jones (52 hits, 34 RBIs, 5 HRs), Lily Berlinger (41 hits, 39 RBIs, 5 HRs) and Kennedy Bunker (34 hits, 36 RBIs, 2 HRs). Katlyn Bartlow and Linden McCarl are splitting time from the circle.
Next up: at Gahr, CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs.
5. Notre Dame (18-7): Ella Parker led the Knights to a Mission League title with 39 hits, 29 RBIs and nine homers this season. She was walked 28 times — many of those being intentional. She was also 4-0 from the circle this year. However, it’s sophomore Kiki Mashhoud who has 104 strikeouts in 84 innings.
Next up: vs. Long Beach Poly, CIF-SS Division 3
6. Sierra Canyon (15-4): The Trailblazers win the Gold Coast League going 8-0 and outscored their opponents 190-63 this season. Be on the lookout for sophomore Izzy Mertes. She’s belted 11 home runs in 17 games.
Next up: vs. Sunny Hills, CIF-SS Division 3
7. Crescenta Valley (18-10): The Falcons learned to live life without star pitcher Dee Dee Hernandez, who graduated last year, and still were able to wrap up their season finishing second place in the Pacific League.
Next up: at Millikan, CIF-SS Division 2
8. Hart (20-7): The Indians have a lot of firepower with juniors Kate Penberthy (50 hits, 46 RBIs and 13 HRs) and Tenley Sweet (48 hits, 24 RBIs and 10 HRs).
Next up: vs. Glendora, CIF-SS Division 2
9. Valencia (16-8-1): The Vikings finish tied for second in the Foothill League with Hart. That league is very top heavy and should have the Vikings prepared for the postseason.
Next up: at South Torrance, CIF-SS Division 1
10. Moorpark (19-4): The Musketeers earned the No. 1 seed in Division 4 thanks the play of three sophomores Madison Finnerty, Driana Martinez, Shae Anderson and Daniela Isarraras. Finnerty is 11-1 from the circle in 15 appearances this season.
Next up: vs. San Marcos, CIF-SS Division 4