As expected, the top 10 teams were left unscathed in the first round of the Class A playoffs. But a few bubble teams from last week were unceremoniously sent home early.
Bryant was shocked by Petrides, the last-place team on Staten Island, and Stuyvesant upset Bronx Science in a battle of specialized schools. The second round should have some more thrills. Clinton-Riverdale/Kingsbridge, Construction-Francis Lewis and Bayside-Port Richmond have plenty of interest – and all of them could go either way.
Here’s how the rankings break down:
1. Tottenville (18-0) (Last week: 1)
It’s going to be a chore for any team to really challenge Tottenville until the PSAL Class A semifinals. The Pirates are still head and shoulders above most teams in the league, led by St. Joseph’s University-bound ace Nicole Palase, second baseman Lisa Cutrona and centerfielder Victoria McFarland. Tottenville is without a doubt the favorite in the PSAL once again.
Next: George Washington, PSAL Class A second round (May 25, 4 p.m.)
2. James Madison (15-1) (2)
Marie Oneto tossed a no-hitter and just about everyone hit in a first-round playoff win against Lehman. The degree of difficulty gets a bit higher Tuesday for Madison, which hosts Curtis in the second round. The Warriors did win seven games on Staten Island this year. The Knights, though, remain the favorite to at least make the city final.
Next: Curtis, PSAL Class A second round (May 25, 4 p.m.)
3. Susan Wagner (16-2) (3)
Centerfielder Danielle Locke has been absolutely superb late in the season. She had a big game against Poly Prep, a two-run home run against Tottenville and hit a grand slam in the first round Friday against Hunter College HS. Wagner hosts Bushwick, the second-place team from Brooklyn, in the second round Tuesday.
Next: Bushwick, PSAL Class A second round (May 25, 4 p.m. @ Great Kills LL)
4. Cardozo (13-2) (4)
With Amanda Annicaro in the circle and Sandy Tomasik at shortstop and at the top of the order, Cardozo has a puncher’s chance against any team in the PSAL. A return trip to the semifinals is certainly a distinct possibility for the Judges, who knocked off Fort Hamilton in the first round Friday.
Next: Stuyvesant, PSAL Class A second round (May 25, 4 p.m.)
5. Construction (14-0) (5)
The Red Hawks actually trailed, 1-0, until the third inning Friday against Manhattan Center in the first round. But they exploded for five runs in the third and eight in the fourth to pull away in a battle of the last two PSAL Class B champions. Construction has a tough one Tuesday in the second round in Francis Lewis, a team it beat just 3-0 in the regular season.
Next: No. 8 Francis Lewis, PSAL Class A second round (May 25, 4 p.m.)
6. Bayside (12-3) (6)
The Commodores can hit up and down their lineup and they proved that once again when Na Eun Yoon hit a home run and drove in three runs in a first-round win Friday against Newtown. Things get tougher Tuesday against Port Richmond in a second-round game that seems more befitting of a quarterfinal.
Next: No. 7 Port Richmond (May 25, 4 p.m.)
7. Port Richmond (12-6) (7)
The playoffs will be a nice showcase off Staten Island for star Caitlin Shields. The junior can flat-out hit and she’s been a solid pitcher for Port Richmond the last two seasons. The Red Raiders will need her at her best Tuesday when they travel to Bayside in the second round. That game will send a pretty good team home early.
Next: No. 6 Bayside (May 25, 4 p.m.)
8. Francis Lewis (8-6) (8)
The Patriots didn’t look overwhelming in the first round against McKee/Staten Island Tech like most higher seeds did. But that really isn’t their game. Lewis stays close with most teams and there’s little doubt the same will be true for a second-round matchup with Construction on Tuesday.
Next: No. 4 Construction (May 25, 4 p.m.)
9. Clinton (12-2) (9)
Tayna Pena remains one of the most underrated players in the PSAL. She pitched a gem and had a hit and a pair of runs scored in Clinton’s first-round win against New Utrecht. Pena was excellent against Riverdale/Kingsbridge, the Governors’ second-round opponent, in their first meeting this year, but struggled with her control the second time around.
Next: No. 10 Riverdale/Kingsbridge (May 25, 4 p.m.)
10. Riverdale/Kingsbridge (12-2) (10)
If not for a costly lost to Lehman late in the season, RKA would be coming into a second-round game with Clinton on a 12-game winning streak. The last team that beat the Tigers before Lehman? Clinton, of course. This will be the Bronx A tiebreaker that didn’t occur at the end of the regular season.
Next: No. 9 Clinton (May 25, 4 p.m.)
New: None
Dropped out: None
On the bubble: Environmental Studies (14-2), Bushwick (10-6), George Washington (11-5), Stuyvesant (9-7), Curtis (8-10) and Petrides (6-12)