It’s that time of year where the rankings can start to undergo some major changes.
The postseason is upon us in the CHSAA as Brooklyn/Queens started its playoffs last week and the diocesan crown will be decided this weekend.
Last week, St. Joseph by the Sea earned its fourth straight Staten Island division title. Preston could earn back the top spot in Bronx/Westchester this week with help from Cardinal Spellman.
We have already seen plenty of movement in the bottom of these rankings and this week is no different. St. Joseph Hill works its way up to the No. 6 slot after knocking off St. John Villa and possibly forcing a third-place tiebreaker. Bishop Kearney is also on the rise, up two spots from No. 10 to No. 8. These rankings may look exactly the same if chalk wins out or we could see a major shakeup in the coming days.
Here is this week’s version:
1. St. Joseph by the Sea (13-1) (Last week: 1)
The Vikings flexed their muscles and maintained their dominance over CHSAA Staten Island. Jackie Cautela threw a two-hitter to help Sea to an 11-0 win in five innings over rival Moore Catholic and its fourth straight division title Saturday. Alannah Dawson and Tina-Marie Scaramella were unlikely heroes on a day where $1,200 was raised for breast cancer research.
Next: St. Peter’s (May 17, 4 p.m.)
2. Moore Catholic (13-2) (2)
The Mavericks came into Saturday’s game with Sea hoping to force a tiebreaker for the CHSAA Staten Island crown. Instead they watched the Vikings pound out 12 hits to their two in a lopsided loss. Gianna DeCesare and Co. has already proven they can beat the Vikings. Their next shot could come in the Archdiocesan final.
Next: CHSAA Archdiocesan quarterfinals (May 21, TBA)
3. Archbishop Molloy (12-0) (3)
Molloy hasn’t played since Wednesday when Victoria Goldbach helped it complete its second undefeated regular season in the last three years. The junior tossed a no-hitter against Mary Louis. Dana Moss, Maria Palmeri and Jackie Perillo continue to be the squad’s most consistent hitters. The Stanners begin their quest for a third straight diocesan title Tuesday against Kearney.
Next: No. 9 Bishop Kearney, CHSAA Brooklyn/Queens semifinals (May 17, 3:45 p.m.)
4. St. Francis Prep (11-2) (4)
This is the week the Terriers have been waiting all season for. Their push to reclaim the Brooklyn/Queens title continues with a semifinal game against Mary Louis on Tuesday. Katie Derby has been a workhorse in the circle and Danielle Cervasio, Kerri Surdi and Viki Slavik have swung the bat consistently. Will that be enough to unseat Molloy?
Next: No. 5 Mary Louis, CHSAA Brooklyn/Queens semifinals (May 17, 3:45 p.m.)
5. Mary Louis (6-3) (5)
Christ the King certainly didn’t make it easy, but Mary Louis came away with a 9-6 win. Nicole Hubert and Stephanie Barbaro each picked up three hits. It’s earned them a chance to avenge two tight regular-season losses to St. Francis Prep. The two meet in the CHSAA Brooklyn/Queens semifinals Tuesday.
Next: @ No. 4 St. Francis Prep (May 9, 3:45 p.m.)
6. St. Joseph Hill (8-7) (7)
The Hilltoppers keep on rising in the rankings. They have Amanda DiPaolo’s career day to thank. The senior belted three home runs and drove in four runs in a critical 8-5 win over St. John Villa to help Victoria Procopio in the circles. Hill will likely have to play the Bears in a third-place tie breaker game early this week.
Next: TBA
7. St. John Villa (7-7) (6)
The Bears were a few breaks and a big play away from what could have been a huge week. They were in a dog fight with top-ranked St. Joseph by the Sea on Tuesday. Three days later some defensive mistakes and hot Hill hitting derailed their chance to lock up third place in CHSAA Staten Island. Villa must beat St. Peter’s on Monday to force a tiebreaker with Hill.
Next: St. Peter’s (May 16, 4 p.m.)
8. Bishop Kearney (6-7) (10)
The Tigers started the week on a high and ended on one. Francesca Ingargiola delivered a two-run double to seal an upset win over No. 5 Mary Louis. Then Amanda Sinodinos doubled twice and drove in four during an 11-run first inning to avenge a loss to Fontbonne in the first round of the Brooklyn/Queens playoffs. A date with Molloy is up next.
Next: @ No. 3 Archbishop Molly (May 17, 3:45 p.m.)
9. Preston (11-4) (8)
Despite ace Kristie Davidow being out for the season with a stress fracture in her elbow, Preston began to right the ship. Megan Kelly was steady in the circle and the Panthers defense has stepped up. They hung on for a 4-3 win over Good Counsel and then followed that by beating Cardinal Spellman for a third time 11-1 with help from Melissa Santiago. The Panthers earn the division title if Spellman beats OLV on Monday.
Next: CHSAA Archdiocesan quarterfinals (May 21, TBD.)
10. Cardinal Spellman (9-5) (9)
The Pilots had a chance to make a move towards the CHSAA Bronx/Westchester title last week. But they again stumbled against rival Preston in a big way. Tiffany Rondon has been strong in the circle, but needw help from her defense. The division is still wide open with team making up games this week. Spellman places second with a win over Victory Monday.
Next: @ Our Lady of Victory (May 17, 4 p.m.)
New: None
Dropped out: None
On the bubble: Fontbonne Hall (5-8), Christ the King (3-10), Notre Dame Academy (2-13) and St. Peter’s (1-12)