| Wednesday, May 9, 2018 | BataviasBest.org

Here is my first edition of Power Rankings for the 2018 local HS Softball season.

1. CAL-MUM 

Cal-Mum’s two losses have come at the hands of the Avon Braves and Wayland-Cohocton Golden Eagles, but the Red Raiders came back to beat the former in the two team’s second matchup of the season. C-M has also posted victories over Le Roy (twice), Warsaw, Letchworth, and Geneseo, and will likely be on of the favorites come sectional time.

2. ALEXANDER  

Alden (VI) is the only team to have beaten Alexander this season, as the Trojans currently sit undefeated against Section V competition – including wins over Midlakes, Lyons, and Oakfield. This team is the real deal.

3. OAKFIELD

Oakfield is off to a great start this season, losing just one game (Alexander), while earning a couple of key victories (Le Roy, Lyndonville). The Hornets have a good combination of offense and defense and should be in the mix come postseason time.

4. BATAVIA

Aside from a few losses down south during spring training, Batavia has fallen to Brighton, Alden (VI), Warsaw, and Pittsford Mendon – all of which are difficult opponents. However, none of the teams which the Blue Devils have lost to are in their classification for the Section V Tournament. Batavia made the sectional finals last year and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them reach those heights once again in 2018.

5. LYNDONVILLE

Lyndonville is coming off of a Section V Title in 2017 and looks the part once again this season. They’ve lost only to Medina (VI), and Oakfield this season, but still have to play Alexander. Look for this team to give the Trojans a run for their money, and also make a run during the postseason.

6. LE ROY

Le Roy has lost four of their last six games (Warsaw, Cal-Mum, Oakfield, Avon). How the Knights finish the season will determine whether they rise, fall, or remain in the middle of my rankings.

7. PEMBROKE

Pembroke is below .500 following losses to Attica, Alexander, Oakfield (twice), Lyndonville, and Warsaw. Despite the slow start, however, the tough part of their schedule is behind them. Look for the Dragons to pick up the pace as the regular season comes to a close.

8. NOTRE DAME

Notre Dame has only beaten teams ranked behind them in my Power Rankings. Without a signature win, they will have to earn their way into the top-half by the end of the year.

9. ATTICA 

Attica is currently riding a four-game losing streak, but all four losses came to superior competition. The Blue Devils have endured a difficult season thus far, but with their schedule lightening up down the stretch, expect some wins from this group.

10. ELBA

Elba has really struggled this year following a Section V Championship run in 2017. It’s been a surprising dip for the Lancers, but they should find a few more wins before the season’s over.

11. HOLLEY

The Hawks have picked up a few wins this season, but only against teams below them in my rankings.

12. BYRON-BERGEN

The Bees have recorded just one victory this season.

13. PAVILION

The Golden Gophers are winless this year.

14. WHEATLAND-CHILI

The Wildcats have yet to win a game this season.

Stay tuned as the season progresses.