MaxPreps 2014 Top 100 Preseason National Softball Rankings

Though it graduated seven players to the college ranks, Pacifica (Garden Grove, Calif.) opens the 2014 softball season atop the Maxpreps Xcellent 25 Softball Rankings, which are extended to 100 to start things off.

Seven seems like a lot, but the 2013 roster had 13 players who had signed or committed to colleges and six return, including a pair of MaxPreps All-American pitchers – Kaylee Carlson and Kaley Winegarner – who have signed with D-1 schools.

With Stanford commit Winegarner injured must of the season, Carlson picked up the slack and won 19 of 20 decisions. She is 55-6 with an 0.78 ERA in her three seasons at Pacifica.

A healthy Winegarner is, simply put, bad news for opponents. As a freshman, she was the Empire League Pitcher of the Year and a MaxPreps All-American.

In addition to the pitchers, Pacifica returns five other all-league players including Florida signee Nicole DeWitt, considered by many to be the top prep senior infielder. Pacifica enters the season with 19 wins in its final 20 games, as the streak-ending loss was to Norco in the CIF Southern Section semifinals (3-2 in 10 innings).

Alexander Central (Taylorsville, N.C.) gets the No. 2 nod in the season-opening poll. Coach Monte Sherrill said his team is "Strong and athletic at every position defensively." 

Alexander Central, 34-1 a year ago, has won three of the last five state 4A titles and in 2013 set a state record for hits in a season with 399.  And all nine starters return, including all-American and North Carolina signee Taylor Wike, who led the state in hits last season.

Amador Valley (Pleasanton, Calif.) started 2013 at No. 1, but lost early in the postseason. However, the Dons are loaded with eight returning starters, including pitcher Joanna Grauer, who has signed with UCLA and pitched last summer for Sweden's national team.

Following those three are many teams with plans to climb the ladder, including 2014 unbeatens Greenwood (Bowling Green, Ky.), Hoover (North Canton, Ohio) and 2013 MaxPreps national champion Northern (Owings, Md).

Greenwood (No. 4) returns all but one starter from a year ago when it won a state-record 44 times. Coach Penny Reece says the team is even stronger this time around. Hoover (No. 7) returns infielder Jenna Lilley and pitcher Tara Thatcher with a plan to extend its 34-game winning streak. Northern (No. 10) will rely on the arm of senior Jess Cummings, who was 22-0 last season and did not allow an earned run.

See last year's final MaxPreps Computer Rankings and also the final MaxPreps Xcellent 25.


No. 1 (No. 33 in final 2013 poll) Pacifica (Garden Grove, Calif.), 27-6
Pacifica won 19 of its last 20 games and reached the CIF Southern Section Division 1 semifinals. Though the Mariners lost seven players to college softball, they return future college players Nicole DeWitt (.490, 26 RBIs, who has signed with Florida), Faith Canfield (.345, 21 RBIs, Michigan) and a pair of D-1 pitchers in Kaylee Carlson (19-1, 138 strikeouts, 0.62 ERA, North Carolina) and Kaley Winegarner (4-5, 1.65 ERA, Stanford), who was injured much of last season. Nicole Wise and junior Brooke Marquez, who were second team all-Empire League choices, also return.

2. (8) Alexander Central (Taylorsville, N.C.), 34-1
Central won the 4A state title in 2013 and lost just one senior, a non-starter. All starters return, including seven all-state players – State 4A Pitcher of the Year Kiana Millsaps (24-0), infielder Vada Blue Sherrill (finalist for state Gatorade POY), pitcher Bailey Rhoney (4A State Finals Series MVP, who had a 26-game hitting streak and was 9-1 on the mound), outfielders Amanda Sports and Averi Miller, infielder Taylor Wike (two-time Conference Player of the Year and finalist for Gatorade State POY) and speedy outfielder Tianna Batts. Middle infielders Wike and Sherrill scored 96 runs between them a year ago and defensively turned 24 double plays.

3. (61) Amador Valley (Pleasanton, Calif.), 24-3
Amador Valley lost one senior starter and returns a complete infield, starting catcher and possibly the best pitcher on any team. When that pitcher is senior Johanna Grauer, good things will follow. Grauer was 22-2 with an 0.08 ERA and 274 strikeouts in 152 innings. She allowed just 39 hits last season. Other key returnees are catcher Victoria Molina, infielders Ashley Lotosynski and Malory Masajlo and outfielders Nicole Yozzo, Hanna Moreno and Jazzy Perez – all seniors.

4. (3) Greenwood (Bowling Green, Ky.), 44-0
Greenwood won a state title, set a Kentucky softball record with 44 wins, became Kentucky's first team to complete an unbeaten season and is loaded with returnees including senior pitcher Elizabeth Moss, catcher Aeron Smith, outfielder Raley Slone and infielders Katelyn Merritt, Alexis Dean and Paige Coles. Add senior pitcher Chelsea Kirby, who was in Greenwood's program as a freshman, and the team is very deep.

5. (46) Deer Park (Texas), 37-5
A Texas 5A semifinalist in 2013, the Deer will be led by seniors Caitlin Plocheck (.547, 46 RBIs, 8-0, 1.16 ERA), Haley Harrison (.492, 49 runs), and Alana Tinker (.403), plus sophomore Payton McBride (19-1, .442, 30 RBIs).

6. (70) Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, Calif.), 27-1
Mitty exited the playoffs early last season, but return plenty with pitcher Desiree Severance (22-1, 1.28 ERA), Jazmyn Jackson (.542, 29 RBIs), Danielle Bowers (.393, 25 RBIs), Haley Wymbs (.403) and Madeleine Kim (.411).

7. (4) Hoover (North Canton, Ohio), 34-0
In 2013, the Vikings won their third-straight state title and seventh in school history in finishing without a loss. They lost four starters, but return Jenna Lilley and Tara Thacker (21-0). Lilley batted .697 with seven home runs, 53 RBIs and 46 runs scored in 32 games. They outscored foes 360-45.

8. (34) Red Mountain (Mesa, Ariz.), 33-5
Arizona's 2013 Division 1 champions are loaded with returnees Breana Macha (.380, 31 RBIs, 19-4, 200 strikeouts), Marian Ruf (9-1, 1.42 ERA, .421), Alexandra Wiley (.471), Ashley Hill (41 RBIs, .397), Alyssa Fernandez (.388, 40 RBIs), Mckenzy Gutierrez (.394) and Jordan Beck (.474, 10 HRs, 41 RBIs).

9. (NR) Mountain Ridge (Glendale, Ariz.), 31-4
Any team that returns six players with batting averages over .395 is likely to score a lot of runs. The Mountain Lions will be led by big hitters Corrie Green (17 home runs, 56 RBIs, .566 batting average) and Alyssa Dicarol (.532, 66 RBIs, 30 extra base hits). Add in Bailey Gaffin (.446, 48 runs), Taylor Kaye (.455, 47 runs) and Kaylin Ayotte (.449 and 1.57 ERA) and Ridge should contend for a state title.

10. (1) Northern (Owings, Md.), 23-0
Northern won its sixth-straight 3A state title and will enter the 2014 season with a 79-game winning streak. Northern lost four key senior starters who supplied much of the offense, but return Freshman All-American Kassidy Cross (.519 - led team in runs, hits and average) and pitcher Jess Cummings, who allowed only one unearned run in compiling a 22-0 record, 0.00 ERA and 298 strikeouts in 135 innings. Despite Cummings' strengths, it's difficult to rank Owings No. 1 as only one returning starter better than .300 a year ago.

11. (95) Basha (Chandler, Ariz.), 26-6
The Bears lost only one starter from a 2013 team that batted .368 as a team and hit 39 home runs. Lynea Klemmedson (13-3), Kelsey Tidwell (12-3) and hitters Hailey Maher (.333), Brittany Medina (.326), Brooke Breland (.337, 18 steals, 32 RBIs), Courtney Hiruko (.349), Hailee Siroky (.472, 50 RBIs, nine home runs) and Nicole Matta (.359) return with a goal to top those marks.

12. (76) Mission Viejo (Calif.), 26-2 
The Diablos lost a trio of seniors, but have two of the best preps anywhere in pitcher Taylor McQuillin and power hitter Alyssa Palomino.

13. (79) Pelham (Ala.), 45-6
The state large school runner-up in 2013, Pelham looks to contend again with returnees Rebekah Fox (22-2, 1.14 ERA, 31 RBIs), Kristian Foster (.471, 38 RBIs), Caitlyn Sapp (9 HRs, .389, 36 RBIs), Emily Spain (9-1, .350) and Madi Walker (.383).

14. (39) St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), 22-5
STA won the Florida 7A title in 2014 and returns all-staters Gwen Svekis (.407, 34 RBIs), Rachel Collins (.417) and Meghan King (12-2, 120 K in 109 IP, 0.83 ERA).

15. (65) Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.), 26-2
The Monarchs are loaded for a 2014 title run. Returnees include Andie Formby (15-3, 1.15), Alex Formby (5-0), Morganne Flores (.500, 25 RBIs with 23 hits), Alexis Carmona (.348), Melissa Rochford (.446, 22 RBIs), and Nychole Antillon (.321).

16. (18) Estrella Foothills (Goodyear, Ariz.), 33-2
Estrella won the Arizona D-3 title and should be favored for a repeat, despite losing three key seniors as it returns Dustie Durham (.462, 29-2), Taylor Godfrey (.470, 36 steals), Alex Fedo (.427), Ashley Godfrey (36 RBIs, .443, 51 runs).

17. (5) Curtis (River Ridge, La.), 32-1
Curtis won the Louisiana 2A state title in 2013 and has triumphed in 64 of its last 65 games. It was led by Katie Brignac (20-0 with 225 strikeouts, a 0.75 ERA, and a team-best .444 batting average), Peyton Pignolia (13-1) and Brooke Lee (.519, 10 home runs and 30 RBIs). Add Rachel Brockhause (.407) and Heather Scully (.364) and there are a lot of reasons for optimism.

18. (97) Bradford (Starke, Fla.), 28-3
Bradford will be strong again with returnees Ashton Adkins (26-2, 204 Ks, .325), Mackenzie Gault (.342), Jaci Atkinson (.414), Annie Luke (.370), Lainie Rodgers (.370) and the state's top 4A power hitter Taylor Cruce (.392, 42 RBIs, 13 home runs).

19. (47) Bloom-Carroll (Carroll, Ohio), 30-3
B-C won the Ohio D-3 title a year ago and returns Taran Alvelo, possibly the top 2015 prospect. She not only homered 13 times, drove in 30 runs and batted .440, but she struck out 363 batters in 188 innings and won 27 of 30 games. The Bulldogs also return seniors Haley Starr (19 steals, 30 runs, .361), Ashley Ireland (.366) and Abby Grover (.352), plus junior Kaylee Springer (.361) and sophomore McKenna Coffman (.384).

20. (43) The Woodlands (Texas), 29-9
The Highlanders will be led by seniors Sydney Salmans (.426, 36 RBIs) and pitcher Caitlin Bartsch (9-4. 1.90 ERA) and juniors Abby Langkamp (20-5, 1.50 ERA, .392, 35 RBIs) and Aubrey Leach (.509, 44 stolen bases and 59 runs scored).

21. (24) St. John-Vianney (Holmdel, N.J.), 29-2
The Lancers won their third state title in four years in 2013 and look better this season. Returning are Jackie Gallagher (.509, 52 hits, 40 RBIs) and Notre Dame signee Katie Beriont (.437, 27-2 record, 235 strikeouts in 169 innings, 16 shutouts and an ERA of 0.62). Also returning are Katie Baron (eight home runs with 36 RBIs), Erica Krumbine (.460), Claire Stefanelli (.413 with 23 RBIs), Helen Coppola (.350) and junior Marlena Bevilacqua (.317).

22. (10) Olathe East (Kan.), 24-1
The Hawks repeated as Kansas 6A state champions in 2013 and return key players – Allison Stewart (.493, 33 RBIs), Elizabeth Leonard (.554), Mckenna Davis (.544) and Bailey Ward (.396). Stewart was also 10-2 with a 0.20 ERA, 125 Ks, 69 IP, and allowed only two earned runs.

23. (NR) Horizon (Scottsdale, Ariz.), 29-6
Horizon returns juniors Tamara 'T' Statman (.481, 24-6, 1.72 ERA, 286 strikeouts) and Kaila Jacobi (.386, 10 home runs, 36 RBIs) plus sophomore Gabby Moreno (.314, 36 runs).

24. (28) Immaculate Heart Academy (Washington Township, N.J.), 31-2
The state runner-ups return Steph Thomas (.365, 29-1), Daniella Ibarra (.542, 26 RBIs, 17 doubles), Angelina Mcguire (.338) and Rachel Pollard (.311, 25 RBIs).

25. (92) Lewisville (Texas), 31-13
Led by freshman pitcher Maribeth Gorsuch, Lewisville won the Texas 5A title in 2013. Gorsuch is back and a year older. In addition to Gorsuch, other key returnees are Miranda Worthington (.403) and .300-plus hitters Gaby Vasquez, Megan Haggard and Selena Garcia.

26. (81) Smyrna (Tenn.), 40-10
Makenzie Prince (370 Ks, 36-6, 0.89 ERA, .399, 31 RBIs), Veronica Westfall (.369) and Kristen Hunsicker (.390) will lead the defending D1-3A state champions.

27. (41) Sierra (Manteca, Calif.), 25-2
Sierra won the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section D-3 title a year ago, but lost four seniors to graduation. However, any team with Allie Wallsjasper (.481, 18-2 record) will contend. The Timberwolves also return Kendelle Messersmith (.324), Lexus Barnes (.333) and Devi Coglio (.367).

28. (63) Baylor (Chattanooga, Tenn.), 36-7
Baylor won the state 2A title last year and with seniors Haley Andrus, Precious Birdsong and Noelle Winkles teaming with juniors Lauren Lewis and Maya Mathis, it will be strong. If pitching comes through, they could move up in the polls quickly.

29. (NR) P.K. Yonge (Gainesville, Fla.), 25-3
With senior Kalen McGill in the circle (24-3, 181 strikeouts, 15 walks in 142 winnings, 16 shutouts, six no-hitters) and at the plate (.444, seven home runs and 35 RBIs), the Blue Wave will be tough to beat. Add in seven other returning starters and Yonge will be a team to watch.

30. (66) Neshoba Central (Philadelphia, Miss.), 31-6
The 2013 state 5A champions return Kayla McKinion (19-6, 2.33 ERA),  Hailey Lunderman (.508, 43 SB), Madalyn McMahon (.441, 28 RBIs, 34 SB), Kayla Robertson (.328, 37 RBIs), Katlyn Duke (.351, 27 RBIs) and Hannah Williams (.458, 39 RBIs, 21 SB).

31. (62) Washburn Rural (Topeka, Kan.), 24-1
A state 6A semifinalist in 2013, Washburn returns a lot with Kelsee Henry (19-1, 1.30), Savannah Moore (.479, 37 RBIs), Chloe Holman (.404) and Jenny Metzger (.443).

32. (84) North Little Rock (Ark.), 29-6
The Wildcats won the 7A state title and return four all-state players, including sophomore pitcher Kaleigh Wynn, who was 26-5 as a freshman. The other key returnees are Sydney Parr, Katy Kinnison and McKenzie Escovedo.

33. (NR) Norco (Calif.), 27-8
Norco continues to reload and with D-1 college signees Savannah Clark, Ashley Goodwin, Amanda Sandoval and Kristen Voller and D-2 signees Tiffany Sanchez and Haley Gilham. 2014 looks to be a title-contending year.

34. (17) North Medford (Ore.), 29-2
North Medford won its second-straight 6A title and has won 60 of its last 62 games. Returnees include pitcher Alexis Barkwell, Joci Ellis and Keisha Williams.

35. (NR) King (Riverside, Calif.), 24-7
With Alexis Osorio in the circle, King will be a power. The Alabama signee was 16-6 with 230 strikeouts and a 1.40 ERA as a junior, then had a monster summer season. Add Bryanna Clark and Sarah Costlow, and King is deep.

36. (43) La Grange (Texas), 38-4
A Texas 3A semifinalist in 2013, La Grange is loaded for a title run with Ariel Svec (19-3, 1.55 ERA), Abby Morgan (18-1, 1.33 ERA), Alyssa Angel (.525, 30 extra base hits, 41 steals, 38 RBIs), Briana Angel (.487, 43 RBIs), Kristy Bertsch (.462, 44 RBIs), Riley Fisbeck (.323) and Madison Becka (40 RBIs, .333).

37. (20) Vintage (Napa, Calif.), 34-1
The Crushers won their first CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division I softball championship last season. They lost four seniors, but return Bailey Robben (.438, 57 RBIs, 23 extra base hits) and Emily Oestreich (33 wins, 299 strikeouts).

38. (7) Bishop O'Connell (Arlington, Va.), 30-1
The Knights won the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association D-1 title in 2013, but lost three seniors – two were all-Americans. But six players who batted over .300 return, including junior Shannon Murphy (.427, 19 RBIs), senior Amanda Ehlers (.418 and 38 RBIs), sophomore Jenna Spille (.342), junior Erin Sweeney (.363, 27 RBIs), sophomore Olivia Giaquinto (.333) and senior Hayley Metcalf (.404, 50 runs, 20-for-20 in steals). Sweeney takes the mound after a 4-0, 1.22 ERA season.

39. (58) Yorba Linda (Calif.), 24-4
Yorba Linda reached the CIF Southern Section semifinals in an impressive showing in only the program's third year, and could improve with Paige Von Sprechen in the circle.

40. (16) Coral Reef (Miami), 26-2
The Barracudas won the Florida 8A title and return juniors Carsyn Gordon (.538, 26 RBIs), Kylan Becker (.680, 39 steals, 53 runs), Cristina Colli (.389), Michelle Mesa (8-0, 1.73 ERA), Sarah Ortiz, Cassandra Garcia, Denver Keller and Amy Roach.

41. (14) Las Cruces (N.M.), 30-1
The Bulldawgs won the Class 5A state title and finished the season with 26 straight wins. They return Katalina Padilla and pitchers Erica Polanco and Dannette Diaz, but lost five senior starters.

42. (NR) Marina (Huntington Beach, Calif.), 32-8
Terra Blanco is back and that's enough for a No. 42 ranking. She went 25-4 in the circle with a 0.70 ERA and 229 strikeouts in 190 innings while hitting .420 with a .550 on-base percentage.

43. (NR) Keystone (La Grange, Ohio), 23-5
The winningest program in Ohio history, Keystone is poised for a 2014 deep playoff run led by seniors Carleigh Herrington, Nicole Neri, Emily Cornish and Morgan McNulty and sophomores Destiny Weber and Summer Constable.

44. (21) Centennial (Las Vegas), 36-6
The Bulldogs won their final 13 games and 24 of their last 25 in defending their state D-1 title. All-Americans Heather Bowen (SS, .480, 59 runs, 39 RBis) and Savannah Horvath (17 HRs, 87 RBIs in 42 games, .585) are back.

45. (11) Chino (Calif.), 26-2
The Cowgirls finished the season with 22 straight wins and a CIF Southern Section D-2 title. They lost seven seniors, but return Miranda Viramontes, an All-American pitcher who threw 15 shutouts in 2013.

46. (67) Niceville (Fla.), 26-2
All-state returnees Aja Brechtal (16-1, 1.68 ERA), Alexis Brunson and Audrey Diekmann (.500, 32 runs) will power the team in 2014. Also returning are all-district players Libby Davis, Jessie Mullen and Christina Ramierez.

47. (55) Piedra Vista (Farmington, N.M.), 26-5
The New Mexico 4A champion was the only team to beat 5A state champion Las Cruces in 2013. Returning are all-state players first baseman Breanna Salas, second baseman Tegan Woosley and outfielders Tabor Woosley and Danielle Ortiz.

48. (NR) Barbers Hill (Mt. Belvieu, Texas), 33-4
Led by catcher Sara Rupp, pitcher Randi Rupp and infielder Erin Houthoofd, Barber's Hill should be poised for a run at a Texas 4A title.

49. (44) Pearland (Texas), 36-4
Despite losing sophomore Samantha Show to transfer, Pearland will contend with Riley Soell (10 HRs, .388), Lauren Stewart (.483, 39 stolen bases), Sydney Mckay and Kristen Cuyos (.353, 21 stolen bases).

50. (NR) Esperanza (Anaheim, Calif.), 24-4
Led by 2013 Century League MVP Brynley Steele and Pitcher of the Year Hayley Copeland, the Aztecs will test any team in Southern California. Also returning are all-league players Bryanna Castro, Haleigh John and Maddie Roth.