Big Nine with Five Teams in Top Ten Softball Rankings

The Big NIne Conference is without a doubt one of the best in the state in fastpitch softball. The first rankings after games have been played was released Thursday and no less than five Big Nine teams are ranked in the top ten in Class 3A. Defending State Champion Winona is #1, Faribault #4, Mankato West #5, Mankato East #6 and Northfield #10.

Faribault is in Section 2 and man is it loaded. Mankato West, Mankato East, #2 ranked Waconia, New Ulm (received votes) all join the Falcons in what has to be the toughest section in Class 3A.

Complete rankings are listed below

1. Winona 2. Waconia 2. North Branch 4. Faribault 5. Mankato West 6. Mankato East 7. Hermantown 7. Rocori 9. Hill-Murray 10. Totino-Grace 10. Northfield 10. Chisago Lakes Others receiving votes: Academy of Holy Angels, Cloquet, Visitation, Benilde St. Margaret's School, Detroit Lakes, Delano, New Ulm, Orono, and Becker.

Class 4A

1. Prior Lake 2. Buffalo 3. Forest Lake 4. Park 5. Chanhassen 6. Maple Grove 7. Eastview 8. New Prague 9. Farmington 10. Stillwater Area

Others receiving votes: Coon Rapids, Burnsville, Centennial, Lakeville South, North, Eagan, Blaine, Minnetonka, Anoka, Bloomington Jefferson, East Ridge, Edina, Brainerd.

Class 2A

Maple Lake
Zumbrota-Mazeppa
Pipestone Area
Park Rapids Area
Rochester Lourdes
St. Peter
Esko
Chatfield
Rockford
Annandale
Others receiving votes: Tracy-Milroy-Balaton, Thief River Falls, Morris Area/ Chokio Alberta, Jordan, Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton, Pierz, Rush City, St. Agnes, Fairmont.

Class 1A