Softball Top 10: Top-ranked O'Connell extends its dynasty, SMAC rules Maryland
The Bishop O'Connell softball program was already considered a dynasty before this spring season began. The Knights entered the year on a 55-game win streak dating back to the 2022 season, and had long ruled over both the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference and Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association tournaments.
Even with an offseason change in leadership, O'Connell's reign over the area continued. In Coach Anthony Uccellini's first year at the helm, the Knights posted another flawless campaign, earning WCAC and VISAA crowns. Uccellini's team knocked off No. 6 Ryken in the WCAC final, 6-3, then squeaked out a 1-0 win over St. Catherine's in the VISAA championship game days later.
As a result of their continued dominance, the Knights finished in the rankings right where they started: No. 1. O'Connell never wavered from its position as it posted a third consecutive undefeated season.
While the Knights stayed in place, there was plenty of movement elsewhere in the rankings as the postseason unfolded. Three Southern Maryland Athletic Conference teams finished in the top five of the final rankings of the season as No. 2 Leonardtown, No. 3 Chopticon and No. 4 Huntingtown each earned Maryland state titles.
In Virginia, Tuscarora rolled to its first Virginia Class 4 title with a 3-1 win over Jefferson Forest, slaying several local giants in the process.
The Knights never fell from their perch atop the rankings, posting their third consecutive undefeated season. The Arlington program has won its last 75 games. Last ranked: 1
The Knights never fell from their perch atop the rankings, posting their third consecutive undefeated season. The Arlington program has won its last 75 games. Last ranked: 1
With senior ace Claire Radford in the pitching circle and a deep and talented lineup, the Raiders cruised to their second consecutive Maryland Class 4A title with a 5-0 win over Churchill. LR: 3
With senior ace Claire Radford in the pitching circle and a deep and talented lineup, the Raiders cruised to their second consecutive Maryland Class 4A title with a 5-0 win over Churchill. LR: 3
For the first time in 40 years, the Braves were crowned state champions. Coach Kevin Cioppa's team knocked off defending champion Sherwood, 5-3, behind pitcher Karllie Nelson's complete game. LR: 8
For the first time in 40 years, the Braves were crowned state champions. Coach Kevin Cioppa's team knocked off defending champion Sherwood, 5-3, behind pitcher Karllie Nelson's complete game. LR: 8
The Hurricanes earned their sixth state championship and first since 2019 with a 3-2 win over Stephen Decatur in Maryland Class 2A. Senior Jordyn Greever threw a complete game to close out a stellar high school career. LR: Not ranked
The Hurricanes earned their sixth state championship and first since 2019 with a 3-2 win over Stephen Decatur in Maryland Class 2A. Senior Jordyn Greever threw a complete game to close out a stellar high school career. LR: Not ranked
With freshman pitcher Peyton Travis inside the circle, the Huskies went on a stunning run to earn their first-ever Virginia Class 4 state title with a 3-1 win over Jefferson Forest. LR: NR
With freshman pitcher Peyton Travis inside the circle, the Huskies went on a stunning run to earn their first-ever Virginia Class 4 state title with a 3-1 win over Jefferson Forest. LR: NR
While the Knights came up short in the WCAC final against top-ranked O'Connell, Coach OJ Lewis's team still enjoyed a dominant regular season. LR: 5
While the Knights came up short in the WCAC final against top-ranked O'Connell, Coach OJ Lewis's team still enjoyed a dominant regular season. LR: 5
The Warriors knocked off Reservoir for their 16th region championship, but fell to No. 3 Chopticon in the Maryland Class 3A final. LR: 4
The Warriors knocked off Reservoir for their 16th region championship, but fell to No. 3 Chopticon in the Maryland Class 3A final. LR: 4
Coach Grace Chavez's team downed No. 10 McLean to win another region title, but had its playoff run halted in the state semifinals against Western Branch. LR: 9
Coach Grace Chavez's team downed No. 10 McLean to win another region title, but had its playoff run halted in the state semifinals against Western Branch. LR: 9
The Lightning, a young team which lost just once in the regular season, shut out Riverbend to earn a region title. Their run ended in the state quarterfinals against Godwin, 6-3. LR: 2
The Lightning, a young team which lost just once in the regular season, shut out Riverbend to earn a region title. Their run ended in the state quarterfinals against Godwin, 6-3. LR: 2
The Highlanders again proved to be one of the top teams in Virginia Class 6, advancing to the state tournament in a tough region. Coach Maurice Tawil's team fell to Glen Allen in the semifinals, 6-0. LR: 6
Dropped out: No. 7 Woodgrove, No. 10 Northeast
The Highlanders again proved to be one of the top teams in Virginia Class 6, advancing to the state tournament in a tough region. Coach Maurice Tawil's team fell to Glen Allen in the semifinals, 6-0. LR: 6
Dropped out: No. 7 Woodgrove, No. 10 Northeast
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