St. Charles North tops new softball rankings

The top teams in the Aurora-Elgin area softball rankings have been announced, with St. Charles North leading the way. Kaneland, Larkin, Jacobs, and Waubonsie Valley all made the list, showing strong performances early in the season. St. Charles North remains at the top. The team, the defending Class 4A state champions, hasn't played since their last game but has just one scheduled before April 9. Oswego is in second place after winning their season opener against Batavia with a score of 18-6. Both Jaelynn Anthony and Natalie Muellner hit home runs in that game. St. Charles East is ranked third with a 3-0 record. Hayden Sujack and Addison Wolf contributed with home runs in a 16-5 victory over West Chicago. Kaneland enters the rankings at fourth place after a close 5-4 win against Hampshire, where Ellie Peck hit a three-run homer. Aurora Central Catholic is in fifth place with an unbeaten 4-0 record, thanks to a strong pitching rotation. Yorkville holds the sixth position but has yet to play its season opener. Jacobs, ranked seventh, won their game against Johnsburg with Kate Takasaki and Emily Popilek hitting home runs. Larkin is in eighth after a comeback win against Geneva, while South Elgin dropped to ninth due to a postponed game. Waubonsie Valley rounds out the top ten after a win over West Aurora. The Player of the Week is Hayden Sujack from St. Charles East. The catcher is having an impressive season with a .692 batting average, two home runs, and three doubles.