Ashland County Softball Power Rankings: Hillsdale stay No. 1, Mapleton keep climbing

In this week's softball power rankings, we're seeing a clear pecking order, with certain teams at the top, a few in the middle and one at the bottom at this point of the season.

So, let's see the pecking order.

9. Ashland (2-10)

The Arrows had a rough week, as they went 0-6 across the action.

8. New London (7-4)

New London started the week taking two games from Plymouth on Monday and Tuesday, then were shutout in back-to-back games against Crestview on Thursday and Friday. The Wildcats will have some making up to do to stay in the Firelands Conference race.

7. Black River (6-3)

The Pirates completed a 4-0 week, as they outscored their opponents 28-6 over the course of those four games.

6. Northwestern (9-4)

Northwestern is another team that produced a quality week, as the Huskies went 4-0 as well, that involved pulling off a two-game sweep over Smithville, then doing the same to Buckeye.

5. South Central (9-3)

Talk about another team that had a 4-0 week on the field. South Central were very impressive, as the Trojans scored 11 or more runs in three of their four wins.

4. Crestview (10-5)

Crestview enter into this week sitting in third place in the Firelands Conference standings behind Mapleton and Monroeville. A big test awaits the Cougars on Tuesday and Wednesday against Mapleton as they look to make a move in the standings.

3. Loudonville (11-4)

Loudonville powered their way to three wins last week, as they scored 23, 19 and 12 runs in those games, respectively. The likes of Karena Burgess, Payton VanSickle, Alesha Felix and Olyvia Fenton led the way in a big way for the Redbirds.

2. Mapleton (12-1)

Mapleton have a strong case for the No. 1 spot, and after an undefeated record (4-0) last week, they are making their case more and more. The Mounties are currently 7-0 in league play and if they can come away with a two-game sweep of Crestview this week, they will move closer and closer to a Firelands Conference title.

1. Hillsdale (11-2)

Hillsdale passed a key test last week in Wayne County Conference play, as the Falcons took two from second-place Norwayne and remain undefeated in the WCAL. Yes, Mapleton have one fewer loss than Hillsdale but the Falcons strength of schedule tips the scale for them in this week's rankings.

jsimpson@gannett.com

Twitter/X:@JamesSimpsonII