LA Daily News softball Top 10 rankings, April 18
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DAILY NEWS SOFTBALL TOP 10 RANKINGS
1. Oaks Christian (21-1-1): It’s official, the Lions are mortal. Oaks Christian finally lost a game after going 22 games unbeaten when it fell to Huntington Beach 8-3 last week. Despite the setback, the team is still the team to beat in the area at 12-0 in the Marmonte League with three league games left in the regular season.
2. Moorpark (16-1): The Musketeers suffered their first loss of the season Tuesday, falling to Coastal Canyon League foe Camarillo 3-0, which drops Moorpark to second place at 5-1. However, the two will face off again on April 27 in what could be an opportunity for Moorpark to earn a share of the league title if it beats Royal Monday.
Moorpark softball remains unbeaten thanks to Madison Finnerty’s pitching dominance
3. Notre Dame (14-3): The Knights are in the driver’s seat to win the Mission League thanks to the power at the plate from Ella Parker, who continues do dominate with 27 hits in 39 at-bats and 13 homers. She’s been walked 23 times this season. Notre Dame has bouts with Chaminade, Louisville and Alemany remaining.
4. Granada Hills (13-4): The Highlanders are priming themselves for a West Valley League title after a 9-4 win over El Camino Real last week. Granada Hills is also vying for a top seed in the City Section playoffs with three players with 20 hits or more, led by Jocelyn Jimenez’ team-high 30 hits. Pitcher Addison Moorman has earned eight wins in 15 appearances.
5. Westlake (17-4-1): The Warriors are in second place in the Marmonte League, but aren’t in the clear of maintaining that spot to year’s end. Westlake still has league contests against Newbury Park, Calabasas, Oaks Christian and Agoura remaining. Kaylee Clarkson has a team-high 26 hits, and senior pitcher Kaityln Bartlow is 7-2 this year from the circle. Junior Linden McCarl is 4-0.
6. Valencia (14-4-1): The Vikings are 9-0 in the Foothill League and are amid a seven-game winning streak. Hope Seper has a team-high 29 hits and Addison Snyder has 19 RBIs to lead the offense. Sophomore Carly Kearns is 9-0 in 12 appearances with an impressive 53 strikeouts in 52 2/3 innings and an ERA of 0.93.
7. Burroughs (18-3): The Bears are 7-0 in the Pacific League, but are just one game ahead of Crescenta Valley (6-1). The two face on April 25, which is likely to determine the league champion. Senior pitcher Stevie Dabbadie is 11-2 from the circle this season.
Granada Hills softball takes control of West Valley League with win over El Camino Real
8. Sierra Canyon (8-4-1): The Trailblazers need to put together a strong finish to capture the second-place spot in the Mission League, and it’s possible they could sneak into first place if Notre Dame stumbles in the final two weeks of the season. Hailey Shuler is the team’s top player, leading Sierra Canyon in hits, home runs (7) and wins from the pitching circle.
9. Louisville (11-6): Despite a rough stretch of losses, the Royals can still finish the year strong and potentially place second in the Mission League, which has three team vying for second place. Bella Wellbaum and Hayden Luderer have been stellar from the plate.
10. Birmingham (11-3): The Patriots earn their way into the top 10 rankings after topping Hart Monday, 1-0. Junior Jessica Rose has 14 hits and 14 RBIs and pitchers Ella Ludden, Rebecca Lozano and Kaitlyn Barba have worked through the season by committee.
Bubble teams: El Camino Real (7-7), Hart (14-9), Agoura (12-11-1)