California high school softball: Rocklin takes over top spot in this week's MaxPreps Top 25 Sac-Joaquin Section rankings

Brooke Thompson, Jayla Castro help Thunder climb to No. 1 after 5-0 start.

By
Apr 5, 2021, 10:30am
Rocklin has not backed away from competition to start the season. The Thunder so far has knocked off fourth-ranked Elk Grove, No. 3 Sheldon (Sacramento), No. 15 Pleasant Grove (Elk Grove) and finished with a 10-0 win Friday over Lincoln (23).

Rocklin's success against a very tough strength of schedule has pushed the Thunder to No. 1 in this week's MaxPreps Top 25 Sac-Joaquin Section high school softball rankings. It doesn't get easier for them this week, starting Tuesday at home against No. 10 Roseville, before Sierra Foothill League play begins Wednesday at No. 6 Folsom and 22nd-ranked Granite Bay (22) on Friday.

Some small schools are making noise in the southern part of the section. Both Escalon and Atwater have yet to give up a run this season in eight games combined. Both teams join this week's rankings.

In a year that unfortunately will not conclude with postseason play, we can still get excited about so many big-time matchups.

Five more games to watch

Monday
No. 7 Vista del Lago (Folsom) at No. 8 St. Francis (Sacramento)
No. 19 Antelope at No. 22 Granite Bay

Tuesday
No. 16 Cosumnes Oaks (Elk Grove) at No. 15 Pleasant Grove (Elk Grove)

Wednesday
No. 12 Ponderosa (Shingle Springs) at No. 7 Vista del Lago (Folsom)

Thursday
No. 15 Pleasant Grove (Elk Grove) at No. 3 Sheldon (Sacramento)
Brooke Thompson, Rocklin
Brooke Thompson, Rocklin
File photo by Curt Lerner
MaxPreps Top 25 Sac-Joaquin Section softball rankings

1. Rocklin
Record: 5-0 | Last week: 3
UCLA signee Jayla Castro had seven hits last week, including two home runs.

2. Vanden (Fairfield)
Record: 5-0 | Last week: 1
Hazyl Gray threw a no hitter on Friday as the Vikings improved to 5-0.

3. Sheldon (Sacramento)
Record: 6-2 | Last week: 2
Juniors Reina Zermeno and Dakota Kennedy lead the section in total hits with 17 each.

4. Elk Grove
Record: 8-2 | Last week: 4
The Herd dropped its second game of the season to Folsom on Friday. They were without ace Aissa Silva.

5. Del Oro (Loomis)
Record: 2-2 | Last week: 5
Maddie Moore, Daniella Morillas and Jenna Birch all had three hits in an 8-6 win over Lincoln.

6. Folsom
Record: 2-1 | Last week: 10
Junior Emma Falen has yet to allow a run in 16 innings pitched.

7. Vista del Lago (Folsom)
Record: 2-0 | Last week: 6
Tayler Biehl, Lexi Holihan and Sammy Smith have combined for 13 hits in two games.

8. St. Francis (Sacramento)
Record: 3-1 | Last week: 7
Hope and Gracie Jenkins each have two home runs as the Troubadours have won three-straight.

9. Lincoln (Stockton)
Record: 6-0 | Last week: 9
Junior Tara Fornaciari is batting .562 with two home runs to help the Trojans remain perfect to start the season.

10. Roseville
Record: 1-2 | Last week: 8
The Tigers have a huge week coming up with games against Rocklin, Woodcreek and Antelope.

11. Oakmont (Roseville)
Record: 2-1 | Last week: 11
Lily Peterson, Lanie Blomquist, Hailey Roloff and Kennedie Magorian all hit home runs in a win over Oak Ridge.

12. Ponderosa (Shingle Springs)
Record: 1-1 | Last week: 12
The Bruins have a big test against seventh-ranked Vista del Lago on Wednesday.

13. Center (Antelope)
Record: 1-0 | Last week: 14
The Cougars are back in action this week with games against Rio Americano and Placer.

14. McClatchy (Sacramento)
Record: 1-0 | Last week: 15
Fullerton signee Ashleigh Dendas struck out 14 in 1-0 win Friday over Pleasant Grove.

15. Pleasant Grove (Elk Grove)
Record: 3-2 | Last week: 13
The Eagles dropped two close games to Rocklin and McClatchy last week. Next up is 16th-ranked Cosumnes Oaks on Tuesday.

16. Cosumnes Oaks (Elk Grove)
Record: 3-0 | Last week: 16
Bella Robinson was named Player of the Game in a 17-7 win over Vacaville. The junior had four hits and three RBI.

17. Central Catholic (Modesto)
Record: 3-0 | Last week: 17
The Raiders next game is April 14.

18. Marysville
Record: 2-0 | Last week: 18
Junior Maya Larsen had three hits in a 15-5 win over Wheatland.

19. Antelope
Record: 1-0 | Last week: 19
The Titans have four games this upcoming week, including Granite Bay and Roseville.

20. Tracy
Record: 5-3 | Last week: 20
Senior Maddie McElley went 4-for-4 with two home runs in a 15-5 win over West.

21. Oakdale
Record: 3-1 | Last week: 21
Sophomore Delainey Everett has seven hits in her last three games.

22. Granite Bay
Record: 3-2 | Last week: 24
Senior Hailey Seva is batting .500 with three home runs as the Grizzlies have a big week ahead.

23. Lincoln
Record: 3-5 | Last week: 25
The Fighting Zebras have five losses, but all against ranked teams.

24. Escalon
Record: 4-0 | Last week: NR
The Cougars have yet to allow a run in four games.

25. Atwater
Record: 4-0 | Last week: NR
Amelie Valdez has not allowed a run in 24 innings pitched. She also has struck out 54 batters.

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