SBLive's California Softball Top 25: Livermore, Orange Lutheran, Gahr make huge leaps

Here are SBLive's weekly California high school softball rankings. Note that while the Southern Section playoffs have begun, teams that get eliminated are still eligible to remain in our statewide rankings. Additionally, there were no rankings last week, so teams' previous rankings are reflective of Friday, April 29.

1. Oaks Christian (30-0 – 1st)

In the second round of the CIFSS Division 1 playoffs, the Lions just breezed by one of their biggest tests yet, Chino Hills, 13-3.

2. Saint Francis Mountain View (23-2 – 3rd)

With Granada going down, the Lancers are now our clear No. 2 after a big win against Archbishop Mitty. Their winning streak is now up to double-digits.

3. Roosevelt Eastvale (23-3 – 4th)

The Mustangs opened the playoffs with a 17-0 demolition of Upland and another shutout win against La Mirada.

4. Murrieta Mesa (25-7 – 6th)

We aren't sure why the Rams didn't get more respect as a CIFSS Division 1 playoff contender this season. But those who didn't see the light probably do now, as Murrieta Mesa knocked off Norco 12-8 in a highly intriguing Inland Empire heavyweight playoff matchup.

5. Archbishop Mitty (22-3 – 7th)

Falling 8-5 against Saint Francis isn't a blow to the Monarchs' ranking in our opinion. They remain otherwise unbeaten in WCAL play.

6. Livermore (20-3-1 – Unranked)

On one hand, without any wins against dominant teams until last week, it's easy to see why Livermore was widely unranked until now. That said, with a clean record so clean that the losses are only against Granada, Mitty, and Sheldon, no one should be shocked to see the Cowboys (or Cowgirls if you prefer) making a move late in the season.

7. Granada Livermore (22-2 – 2nd)

Despite having fallen off their perch just before playoff time, a loss to rival Livermore isn't a condemnation for the Matadors. They're still a full-fledged championship threat within not only the NCS but to win the Regional title too. The loss likely does cost them the No. 1 seed from the EBAL in terms of playoff seeding though.

8. Camarillo (24-3 – 11th)

The Scorpions haven't lost since March, and after knocking red-hot Esperanza out of the playoffs, we were impressed enough to boost them to No. 8. Keep in mind that they've avenged two of their three losses on the season, against Westlake and El Camino Real.

9. Vanden (17-0 – 9th)

Vanden is one game away from cementing an undefeated regular season. We will see what they're made of come playoff time, but you can't do any better than 17 wins in 17 tries.

10. Orange Lutheran (21-8 – 24th)

OLu just handed Villa Park its first loss with a healthy roster of the season to knock VP out of the playoffs. The Lancers have had their ups and downs this season, but should anyone really be surprised to see them looking about as scary as anyone come playoff time? They can't afford to overlook their next foe, Gahr, though.

11. Villa Park (24-4 – 5th)

The Spartans shut out Vista Murrieta to start the Southern Section Division 1 playoffs, but facing Orange Lutheran on the road in round two was a particularly brutal draw. To our knowledge, their season is over, but they still cemented themselves as one of the best teams in the state.

12. Norco (20-9 – 12th)

Despite getting knocked out of the playoffs by Murrieta Mesa, Norco doesn't drop.

13. Buchanan (21-6 – 10th)

Buchanan followed up beating Clovis North with... losing to Clovis East? Clovis East is a very good team that won't back down against anybody, but that's certainly one of the more puzzling swings of the season. However, the Bears followed it up by shutting out Clovis and defeating Central, so clearly they still belong in the discussion for the top 10. Their home game against Clovis North on Friday is likely for a TRAC title.

14. Clovis (21-6 – 14th)

Despite finally getting past Clovis North and following it up with a shutout of Clovis East, the Cougars are out of the league title race. They're still a full-fledged contender to win the Central Section though.

15. Clovis North (20-2 – 8th)

After spending nearly the whole year ranked top-three in the state – including No. 1 for quite a bit of time – Clovis North is no longer even ranked top-two in its own league. Well, that's what playing in the TRAC will do to ya'. The Broncos have a conference title on the line heading to Buchanan on Friday, and will be the prohibitive favorite to go all the way in the CIFCS if they win.

16. Corona Centennial (24-6 – 15th)

It was pretty obvious all year that the Huskies were the standalone favorite in CIFSS Division 2, and through two blowout playoff wins, it's looking good for them.

17. Central Catholic (23-3-1 – 19th)

The Raiders are now officially one of the hottest teams in NorCal. Their six-game winning streak is bookended with victories over Sheldon and Oakdale.

18. Sheldon (21-5 – 20th)

Since falling a lot thanks to a loss against the aforementioned Raiders, Sheldon is on a nice winning streak of its own: Franklin (Elk Grove) twice, Pleasant Grove, Elk Grove, and St. Francis (Sacramento) – by a ridiculous combined score of 56-6.

19. Sutter (24-1 – 17th)

Sutter technically fell a bit with Sheldon and Central Catholic on the rise, but it remains on tremendous footing with the Northern Section playoffs near. Their last regular season game, at 25-2 Wheatland, is far from a shoo-in victory though.

20. St. Francis Sacramento (22-3 – 16th)

A resounding loss to Sheldon cooled off the Troubadors, but they've still won 11 of their last 12. And against teams not named Sheldon, they're 22-1 with an 18-game winning streak.

21. Gahr (22-8 – Unranked)

Gahr debuts for knocking two of the hottest teams in SoCal, Westlake and La Serna, out of the playoffs. Up next is not only its biggest text yet, but a chance at revenge against the powerhouse that spoiled its season-opener – Orange Lutheran.

22. Westlake (20-6 – 13th)

Westlake falls hard after getting its season ended by Gahr, but a great season it was.

23. Oakdale (23-2-1 – 18th)

Speaking of streaks starting and ending among Sac-Joaquin Section teams, Oakdale picked up its first loss since March 16 on Thursday against Central Catholic, but is still in good shape heading into the playoffs.

24. Los Alamitos (22-7 – 22nd)

Los Al has a chance at revenge against the team that ended its season last year in what was something of an upset – Camarillo.

25. Heritage Brentwood (19-3-1 – 25th)

Like we said last week, Heritage hasn't played an overall brutal schedule, but it's gotten the job done almost every time out and made quick work of many good teams. 

ALSO IN CONSIDERATION:

St. Mary's (Stockton), Lincoln (Stockton), Elk Grove, Esperanza, Central (Fresno), Pacifica (Garden Grove), Chino Hills, Rocklin, Folsom, Del Oro, Beaumont, East Nicolaus, La Serna, Huntington Beach, Canyon (Anaheim)