The bottom of these rankings have been so fluid, it’s almost time to expect massive changes every week.
There wasn’t a whole lot of turnover throughout, but we have a pair of teams sneaking in: No. 9 Construction and No. 10 Horace Mann. The latter is coming off a victory against Fieldston and a tight, 1-0 loss to Ivy League powerhouse Poly Prep. Freshman ace Mia Farinelli has taken the Lions a long way.
Here’s how the rest of the list looks:
1. St. Joseph by the Sea (11-0) (Last week: 1)
The Vikings trailed for the first time this season season, but that wasn’t a problem against rival Moore Catholic. Sparkplug Jackie Bonamassa got a three-run fifth inning going and Sea was nearly impeccable in the field in an eventual 4-1 victory. Coach Mike Ponsiglione felt the tight, come-from being win was exactly what his squad needed.
Next: @ Notre Dame (May 4, 4 p.m. @ South Beach)
2. Tottenville (12-0) (2)
When will Tottenville be challenged again by a New York City foe? It might not be until an eventual matchup with No. 3 James Madison in the PSAL city final. Second baseman Lisa Cutrona has a chance to finish first in PSAL Class A in batting average, on-base percentage and slugging — pretty impressive.
Next: Curtis (May 3, 4 p.m.)
3. James Madison (9-1) (3)
One has to wonder if Madison will have any killer instinct in the playoffs considering the Knights have waltzed through all their Brooklyn opponents easily. Coach Jeff Meltzer has done a good job putting together a strong non-league schedule, but really the only significant game that has counted all season for Madison was its loss to Tottenville.
Next: Fort Hamilton (May 3, 4 p.m.)
4. Archbishop Molloy (9-0) (4)
The rain has brought a busy schedule this week for coach Maureen Rosenbaum’s crew. It plays rival St. Francis Prep for the third time, after nearly losing to the Terriers in their last meeting. The Stanners get Mary Louis twice and a game against Fontbonne. Molloy will be ready for the playoffs after this week.
Next: St. Francis Prep (May 3, 4 p.m.)
5. Poly Prep (8-0) (5)
Don’t look now, but the Ivy League is better than it has been in years. Credit goes to coach Mildred Piscopo for keeping Poly Prep on top, but the Blue Devils have had wars with Horace Mann and Fieldston this season. The Eagles come to Bay Ridge on Wednesday in a pivotal matchup.
Next:
Fieldston (May 5, 4:15 p.m.)
6. Susan Wagner (11-1) (6)
The beginning of the season didn’t go completely smooth for Wagner. But now the Falcons are playing their best softball of the season. An 8-2 win against Port Richmond in a resumed game was proof of that.
Next: @ CSI/McCown (May 3, 4 p.m.)
7. Moore Catholic (8-2) (7)
For one thing the Mavericks showed they are getting better with each game. Coach Kristine Knuth’s club was the first to hold a lead over St. Joseph the Sea this season, 1-0 for four innings. Emily Horihan was sensational in the circle, but the Vikings bats finally came alive in the later innings.
Next: St. John Villa (May 3, 4 p.m.)
8. Christ the King (5-4) (8)
Coach Frank Florio has talked all season about how his Royals have been able to stave off disastrous innings that hurt them at times last year. CK appeared to have a second win against SFP wrapped up last week, but costly errors opened the door for a comeback win for the Terriers.
Next: @ Mary Louis (May 3, 3:45 p.m.)
9. Construction (9-0) (NR)
The Red Hawks are out of the woods and on their way to an undefeated league season after besting Bryant last week. Construction has been the city’s best story, becoming one of the Big Apple’s elite teams just a year removed from Class B.
Next: Lane (May 3, 4 p.m. @ Smokey Oval)
10. Horace Mann (6-2) (NR)
Freshman windmiller Mia Farinelli has turned the Lions into a team stuggling to find the strike zone to one contending for an Ivy League title. Horace Mann, making its debut in the rankings, showed it can hit up and down its lineup in a win over Fieldston last week. Shortstop Lauren DelPrete is the centerpiece.
Next: @ Dalton (May 7, 4 p.m. @ Randall’s Island)
New: Construction (9-0) and Horace Mann (6-2)
Dropped out: St. Francis Prep (7-4) and Port Richmond (9-2)
O
n the bubble: St. Francis Prep (7-4), Mary Louis (5-5), Fieldston (6-2), Cardozo (9-2), Port Richmond (9-2), St. Joseph Hill (4-6), Bayside (9-2), St. Edmund (5-5), Francis Lewis (5-4), Preston (5-5), Bishop Kearney (3-7), Riverdale/Kingsbridge (8-1) and DeWitt Clinton (6-2)