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Softball power rankings: second look


If the rain doesn't wash away Friday's Central York-Dallastown showdown, this will be revised. However, assuming it pours, let's debate. Despite a league loss to Red Lion, the Panthers still get our top billing just ahead of the Wildcats. (Note, preseason ranking and record are in parenthesis.)

1. Central York (1, 6-1): The Panthers pound the ball. Take their 15-0 win vs. New Oxford or 14-0 decision against Susquehannock as exhibits A and B. Of course, it starts with power pitcher and hitter Taylor Rohrbaugh, the returning YAIAA Division I Player of the Year, but there's so much more. The team lost just one starter from last year, center fielder Courtney Hastings. Right fielder Angie Delise moved over, and even the new right fielder saw playing time a season ago.

2. Dallastown (2, 7-1): The Wildcats' strength? Take your pick. Hitters, such as Amanda Jones. A pitcher in Kelsey Collins. A hitter in Kelsey Collins. The Wildcats rung in the season with a convincing victory against Kennard-Dale, and their only misstep so far came in a non-league tournament.

3. Spring Grove (NR, 6-1): This could have been a rebuilding year for the Rockets, who had to replace graduated Division II Player of the Year Erika Heck and Jena Hull. However, coach Mark Hull's club has built itself back up quickly. He's found new talents, such as Jenna Jacoby to go with returning offensive threats, such as Hayley Norton, who made the all-star team last year as a freshman.

4. Red Lion (5, 3-2): Red Lion hits, one through nine, and has the league's top overall athlete in Ali Posey. The Lions also own a win against Central York. They also pushed Dallastown, losing by one.

5. Delone Catholic (4, 6-0): The Squirettes still have reigning Division IV Co-Player of the Year Deanna Laughman, but they've also infused a few freshmen into their lineup.

It's also worth noting Kennard-Dale just missed the cut. The Rams are in charge early in Division III.