With postseason softball now underway, Naples High School (Florida) may be saving its best for last. For a third straight week, the Golden Eagles are No. 1 in the USA Today/NFCA High School Top 25, released Thursday by the association.
The nation’s top-ranked team won its Class 4A regional crown Tuesday when the Golden Eagles defeated Lakewood Ranch, 5-0. Pitcher Jaclyn Traina threw a one-hitter in that victory. While impressive in itself, the one-hitter does not measure up to the back-to-back perfect games thrown by Traina in victories over Riverdale and North Fort Myers to open postseason play.
Presently at 28-1 overall, Naples is two wins shy of a 14th state championship. In the Class 4A semifinal round, Bartram Trail provides the opposition. A potential matchup with No. 6 Dunnellon is possible in the May 15th state finals.
The Top Five in this week’s rankings remains the same. This group includes No. 2 Valencia (California), No. 3 North Davidson (North Carolina), No. 4 Frisco Wakeland (Texas) and No. 5 Centennial (Arizona).
The USA Today/NFCA Top 25 is compiled by state representatives from across the country. Records for this week’s poll include all games played through May 2, 2010.
The complete rankings may be found here
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