Tribune's softball final rankings

By Bob Sakamoto | Tribune staff reporter

11:08 PM CDT, June 7, 2008

Team (Record, previous ranking)

1. Lincoln-Way Central (33-9, NR): First trip Downstate in program's 30-year history resulted in Class 4A championship as Knights top Barrington on Saturday night in East Peoria.

2. Barrington (31-7, NR): State title eluded the Fillies in their fifth straight trip to the EastSide Centre, finishing second last year, third in 2004 and '05.

3. Lake Park (34-5, 4): Fifth Downstate appearance in last six years resulted in third-place finish for the Lancers, who were also second in 2003 and fourth in '05.

4. New Trier (28-11, NR): Trevians return seven starters from team that finished fourth in 4A, including ace Kelsey Lee and top hitters Molly Spence and Missy Green.

5. Glenbard South (29-7, 10): Therese O'Shea's huge pinch-hit, game-tying double and freshman Jenny Wittnerberg's game-winning hit led the Raiders to third place in 3A on Saturday.

6. Marengo (27-12, 7): Emerging program left its mark on the softball landscape despite losing 1-0 to 3A champion Bartonville Limestone and 2-1 to Glenbard South in East Peoria.

7. Marist (27-11, NR): Katie Freeman, Alyssa Thompson sparked a late-season surge that saw the RedHawks upset Sandburg in the regional finals and advance to the sectional finals.

8. Oak Park (28-9, 2): Huskies came on strong in the postseason and led New Trier 4-0 in the supersectionals before the Trevians rallied for a 7-4 victory.

9. Plainfield South (26-9, NR): Alyssa Schrader, Mary Giancarlo and Krista Matsui led the Cougars to best season in school history, advancing to 4A supersectionals.

10. Crystal Lake South (19-13, NR): Led Barrington 3-1 in the supersectionals behind Emily Mahoney's two doubles and two RBIs, but Fillies rallied with three runs in 10th inning.

Best of the rest: West Chicago (24-9), Naperville Central (24-7), Plainfield Central (28-3), Lockport (29-7), Stagg (26-8).