1. Amador Valley-Pleasanton (22-3) in 2012-13
In softball, it almost always boils down to who has the best pitcher. And the Dons may have the best in the state. The UCLA-bound Johanna Grauer, right, returns for her senior season along with nearly the same supporting cast she‘s had the last four years. She was one of five freshman to start in the 2011 North Coast Section final, which Amador Valley won for what so far has been Grauer’s only NCS title. She lost the final 2-1 in 2012 despite striking out 17. Last year, after a regular season in which she posted a 0.09 ERA with 274 strikeouts in 152 innings, Grauer injured her ankle days before the postseason. The Dons were victims of a quarterfinal upset without her in the circle. With just one senior graduated from that group, Amador Valley entered 2014 ranked No. 7 in the nation (No. 3 in CA) in the StudenSports.com Preseason Fab 50.
2. Archbishop Mitty-San Jose (27-1) Just like Amador Valley, the Monarchs enter 2014 starving to right a wrong. Mitty was 27-0 before it inexplicably stumbled in its playoff-opener. The team returns nearly intact, having graduated just four from last year’s roster. The Monarchs are led by Cal-bound All-American Jazmyn Jackson, a five-tool shortstop who hit .542, scored 44 runs, had 52 hits (22 for extra bases, including eight HRs), stole 16 bags and had 29 RBI. The lineup also boasts a quartet of juniors — Danielle Bowers, Haley Wymbs, Desiree Severance and Madeleine Kim — who combined for 96 RBI in 2013. Severance returns to the circle where she was 22-1 with a 1.28 ERA.
3. Vintage-Napa (34-1)
While we know it’s a wine-related mascot name, it’s more than appropriate that a team featuring Baylee Robben calls itself the Crushers. The junior leads the defending Sac-Joaquin Section Division I champions after hitting .438 with 57 RBI a year ago. Of her 53 hits, 23 went for extra bases. The team will also return its ace, junior Emily Oestreich. She was an unbeaten 33-0 with a 1.50 ERA and 299 strikeouts as a sophomore.
4. California-San Ramon (21-5)
Grizzlies, who return pitcher Lindsey Chalmers (13 SOs in 2013), were one of two teams to beat Johanna Grauer last year.
5. Alhambra (23-3-1)
Senior Kylee Perez (.618, 46 runs, 51 RBI and 12 HR in 2013) and junior Nicole Curry (.474, 31 runs, 44 RBI, 12 HR) are the scariest 1-2 punch in the NCS.
Jonathan Hawthorne
6. Sierra-Manteca (25-2)
As long as senior Allie Walljasper (0.47 ERA, 12 shutouts, 227 strikeouts) is healthy and in the circle, the Timberwolves are good to go.
7. Concord (22-4)
Key offensive weapons and pitcher Kelly Drake return for a program that’s won three NCS Div. II titles in four years.
8. Christian BrothersSacramento (20-11-1)
Haley Snyder (0.53 ERA, 304 strikeouts, 30 walks in 171 innings) in the circle makes the Falcons a major SJS Div. II threat.
9. Carlmont-Belmont (25-4)
Two-way threat Rebecca Faulkner (.435, 7 HR and 21-3, 0.84 ERA) leads talented, experienced roster.
10. James Logan-Union City (26-1) Defending two-time NCS Div. I champs return plenty of offense, but must replace a four-year starting pitcher. 11. Terra Linda-Sn Rfl (23-5)
16. Casa Roble-Orngvle (24-5)
12. Rocklin (26-5)
17. San Benito-Hollister (25-3)
13. Pleasant Grove-E.G. (22-11) 18. Tracy (25-6) 14. Leland-San Jose (26-3)
19. Sheldon-Sac. (14-13)
15. Elk Grove (24-9)
20. Pioneer-Woodland (24-6)
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