The Modesto Bee’s Stanislaus District softball rankings

Note: All records and statistics as of Monday. Tuesday’s results weren’t available by press time.

Large School

Composed of teams from the Modesto Metro Conference, Valley Oak League, Central California Conference and Western Athletic Conference.

1. (1) East Union (19-0, 11-0): Ranked 11th in the state by Cal-Hi Sports, the Lancers won’t be tested again until their May 10 Valley Oak League finale at Oakdale. Senior Michelle Castro is hitting .642 with eight home runs for the reigning Valley Oak League and Sac-Joaquin Section Division III champions. Next: vs. Central Catholic on Thursday.

2. (2) Oakdale (17-1, 11-1): The Mustangs have averaged 16 runs during a five-game winning streak and twice scored 20 runs. Fresno State-bound twins Kindra and Maddi Hackbarth have combined for 35 extra-base hits, while future Bulldog teammate Haley Fuller has a 15-game hitting streak. Next: vs. East Union on May 10.

3. (3) Ceres (16-3, 9-0): The Bulldogs took a 14-game winning streak into Tuesday’s Western Athletic Conference showdown with Los Banos. Junior Callie Nunes and senior Mahlena O’Neal combined for seven RBIs in a 12-1 win over El Capitan. Next: at Central Valley on Thursday.

4. (4) Merced (16-5, 11-1): For the first time in her decorated four-year career, Madilyn Nickles was beaten by Atwater. The Falcons had just one hit against the UCLA-bound star, but turned two errors in the sixth inning into a stunning 2-0 decision. Next: vs. Buhach Colony on Wednesday.

5. (5) Sierra (12-4, 9-4): The Timberwolves were embarrassed by Oakdale on Senior Day, suffering their first double-digit defeat in two years, but there was a reason why the score got out of hand. With the postseason looming, coach Vic DeAnda chose to rest pitcher Lindsey Walljasper in the 20-3 loss. Next: Sac-Joaquin Section postseason.

Others to watch: Gregori (11-6, 8-0), Los Banos (18-2, 8-1), Manteca (14-8, 8-5).

Small School

Comprised of teams from the Trans-Valley League, Southern League, Mother Lode League and Central California Athletic Alliance.

1. (1) Ripon (14-3, 6-0): Mikaela Ferreira (2 for 4, four RBIs) and Felicia Ceja clubbed home runs as the Indians run-ruled five-time defending Division V champion Hughson Monday. Could that be a sign of things to come in the playoffs? Next: vs. Escalon on Wednesday.

2. (2) Mariposa (18-2-1, 11-0): The Grizzlies began the week needing to win two of their last three games to clinch an outright Southern League title. Chances are that celebration will take place Thursday in Denair. Mariposa has beaten its last three opponents – Orestimba, Denair and Delhi – by a combined score of 48-5. Next: at Denair on Thursday.

3. (3) Calaveras (16-3, 13-1): The Redskins have won 10 consecutive games, including a 3-1 victory over Argonaut on Friday. Sophomore Coco Bolin (.393, team-high 30 runs) provided the margin of victory with two RBIs. Next: vs. Summerville on Wednesday.

4. (4) Escalon (18-5, 6-1): Morgan Reider, Chardae Hoskins, Hailie Webster and Kaylie Corriea drove in two runs apiece as the Cougars pounded the Huskies, who fall out of the top-5 for the first time all season. Next: at Ripon on Wednesday.

5. (nr) Waterford (14-7-1, 9-2): Family blood fuels the Wildcats’ pursuit of a D-VI section championship. Waterford is coached by Donnie Donaldson, whose daughters Kaytlin and Alyssa Donaldson rank among the section’s best pitchers and hitters, respectively. Next: vs. Gustine on Thursday.

Others to watch: Hughson (11-6, 4-3).

This story was originally published May 3, 2016 at 2:54 PM with the headline "The Modesto Bee’s Stanislaus District softball rankings."