Sports

CHSAA softball rankings

We are down to two.

To no one’s surprise it is St. Joseph by the Sea and Archbishop Molloy who will face off in the CHSAA city championship game Tuesday at Moore Catholic and play for a state crown on June 1. The Vikings topped rival Moore Catholic for the Archdiocesan crown on Tuesday and the Stanners, who move up to No. 2, swept and shutout St. Francis Prep for the second straight year in the Brooklyn/Queens championship series. Mary Louis jumps over St. Edmund, which it beat 3-2 in the quarterfinals, to No. 6 this week.

Here are the rest of the rankings:

1. St. Joseph by the Sea (18-0) (Last week: 1)

It was business as usual on Staten Island last week. The Vikings jumped all over Moore Catholic for an 8-0, five-inning run-rule win for their third straight CHSAA Archdiocesan title. After its CHSAA city championship game against Molloy Tuesday, Sea’s focus turns to winning two games on June 1 to claim an elusive state title.

Next: No. 2 Archbishop Molloy, CHSAA city championship (May 25, 5 p.m. @ Moore Catholic)

2. Archbishop Molloy (15-1) (3)

The Stanners once again proved that pitching wins championships. Sophomores Maria Palmeri and Victoria Goldbach each threw shutouts in 2-0 and 4-0 wins over St. Francis Prep to help Molloy claim its second straight CHSAA Brooklyn/Queens title. The Stanners eagerly awaits its rematch with No. 1 St. Joseph by the Sea, which beat them in run-rule fashion during the regular season.

Next: No. 1 St. Joseph by the Sea, CHSAA city championship (May 25, 5 p.m. @ Moore Catholic)

3. Moore Catholic (14-4) (3)

It was an all-too-familiar end for the Mavericks, who fell for the third straight season to St. Joseph by the Sea in the Archdiocesan final. Moore felt like it was playing well and closing the gap coming in, but the Vikings exploded for a six-run fourth inning in an 8-0 win. Coach Kristine Knuth’s club had another fine season.

Next: Season over

4. St. Francis Prep (11-4) (4)

The Terriers played two tight games with rival Molloy, but unlike over the last week or so the big hit eluded them in two shutout losses in the Brooklyn/Queens final. Pitchers Katie Derby and Nicole Lomangino did their part, but SFP left 16 runners on base. The team’s young core could be right back there next year.

Next: Season over

5. Christ the King (9-6) (5)

Christ the King didn’t end its finest season in 10 years without a fight. Coach Frank Florio’s club, making a rare trip to the CHSAA Brooklyn/Queens semifinals, battled in the seventh inning. CK scored two runs and got the tying run to the plate, but fell 4-2 to Molloy.

Next: Season over

6. Mary Louis (7-8) (7)

Krystal Gonzalez made sure the Hilltoppers met their goal of not losing in Brooklyn. The senior lined a two-run triple to right to give TMLA a thrilling, 3-2 comeback win over St. Edmund and its first CHSAA Brookyn/Queens semifinal berth in three seasons. It fell there to Mary Louis

Next: Season over

7. St. Edmund (7-7) (6)

The Eagles again made a mistake that cost them a win against a Queens opponent and another accomplishment to their fine season. A forgotten tag at home by catcher Casey Sclafani opened the door for TMLA’s comeback in the seventh to eliminated the Brooklyn division champion in the quarterfinals.

Next: Season over

8. Preston (11-6) (8)

Unlike coming into this season the Panthers won’t have to worry about replacing their pitcher. Sophomore Kristie Davidow got more confident with each game and was dominant at times through the postseason. Her improved control and excellent speed even had St. Joseph by the Sea off balance in the early innings.

Next: Season over

9. St. Joseph Hill (7-9) (9)

St. Joseph Hill have established itself as a threat in CHSAA Staten Island with two straight playoff appearances and a third place finish this season. The Hilltoppers though will have some big shoes in the circle to fill. Maggie Sarlo and Victoria Procopio both graduate.

Next: Season over

10.
St. John Villa (6-10) (10)

While this was a bit of a down season for the Bears, the future is certainly bright. It is a young squad built on speed and two underclassmen in the circle. Star Brittany Smith is just a sophomore; Mary Curatolo is only a freshman. They could be quite a duo for years to come.

Next: Season over

New: None

Dropped out: None

On the bubble: Fontbonne Hall (6-7), Bishop Kearney (5-8) and Cardinal Spellman (5-6)