Softball Power Rankings: Wachtel, Gatti keep Triway at No. 1

Two weeks after the release of the first power rankings, we take a second look at the area softball scene and how the dust is settling.

It's clear that outside of Carter Wachtel, Camryn Kiefer and Keira Filius, and with Olivia Amstutz sidelined for the season, most area teams are still looking for that pitching to put them over the hill.

The thing not missing, is a plethora of hot bats that are being swung by area hitters. Triway standout Kenzie Gatti launched three homers in a win this weekend and freshman sensation Jordyn Fickes has shown no fear for key situations as evidenced by her three-run bomb to tie a game in a key win over Keystone and a two-run shot in a league win over Norwayne.

Kenzie Woods and Keegan Uhl have been unstoppable at the dish and a young Dalton squad continues to roll up on opponents with wins over Northwestern and Chippewa to make their case. MaKenna Heyden looks to be star in the making, Riley Gwinn is back to her normal self, swinging one of the area's most dangerous bats as a sophomore and Payton VanSickle continues to solidify her spot among the best backstops in the area.

1. Triway

It's very clear the Titans have the one key piece that the majority of area teams are still looking for — an ace pitcher. In Carter Wachtel, Triway has that locked down. She has already racked up a record of 13-0, struck out 137 over 71⅔ innings and walked just 12 with an earned run average of 0.29. She continues to back herself up at the dish with a .564 average, three homers and 28 RBIs. Also swinging hot bats behind her are Kenzie Gatti (.521) with eight home runs, 34 RBIs and 22 runs scored, and Hanna Massaro, who is hitting .400, with three dingers, 18 RBIs and 28 runs scored.

Alyssa Hochstetler (.492), Callie Robson (.491) and Myah Lester (.464) have hit well for the Titans as well.

Titanic Display: Gatti's power hitting leads Triway at Mid-Ohio Spring Classic

2. Hillsdale

There are many things that separate the Falcons from the teams below them in the rankings. One is the continued development of Kennedy Fickes to pair with budding ace in Keira Filius. Fickes has tossed 38⅓ innings and posted a 4-3 record, and Filius has fanned 76 in 47⅔ innings and nailed up an 8-0 mark.

To go with the pitching, Hillsdale has the best freshman hitter in the area in Jordyn Fickes, who is hitting .489, with seven homers and 22 RBIs. They also have arguably the area's best 1-through-9 batting order anchored by seniors Mollie Goon (.462, 21 RBIs), Belle Dalton (.371, 5 HR) and Jacey Sermulis (.303, 13 R). Rodalynn Mast (.304/13 RBIs), Laci Huber (.395/10 RBIs) and Kennedy Fickes (.347/15 RBIs make the lineup even more complete.

3. Tuslaw

The only other team in the area with a legitimate ace is Tuslaw with Camryn Kiefer. This senior continues to dominate opposing teams with a record of 6-3 and has fanned 116 in 65⅔ innings this year. She has provided the thunder at the dish as well, smacking eight home runs and hitting .529.

She isn't alone in the batting order as Danica Crescenze adds a .425 bat with nine RBIs and nine runs scored, Kylie Johnson is swatting it at a .419 clip with 12 RBIs and Annebelle Leibig is hitting .436 with 13 RBIs.

4. Loudonville

Natalee Buzzard is about as tough as they come. With the senior firing 46 innings, posting a 3.80 ERA and striking out about a hitter per inning (45), she continues to shine in big moments. In the wings, freshman Jaiden Stitzlein continues to well with 25 strikeouts and a 2.33 ERA over 30 innings of work.

Backing them is one of the best hitting units in Redbird history as Karena Burgess is the programs all-time career RBI leader and Olyvia Fenton is the programs all-time base stealer. Add in probably one of the area's best backstops in Payton VanSickle, who is hitting the ball at a .531 clip with 26 RBIs and it's no wonder the 'Birds keep flying.

5. West Holmes

There is simply no denying the Knights, who just simply keep tearing the cover off the ball. Between the big three of Kenzie Woods, Keegan Uhl and Zalina Proper, West Holmes is in good hands as combined they are hitting .571, driven in 55 runs and scored 82 runs. Woods has been a beast with three homers, 20 RBIs and 30 runs scored and Uhl has been dynamite with nine doubles, 26 RBIs and 30 runs scored. Proper has been on fire with 22 runs scored for the Knights.

They aren't alone as there are plenty of West Holmes players swinging hot bats to start the year off. There is Addison Yoder (.419), Peyton Carathers (.372), Emrie Lemon (.357) and Kali Woods (.314), highlighted by Yoder's 20 RBIs.

Just missed: Norwayne, Dalton

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Softball Power Rankings: Wachtel, Gatti keep Triway at No. 1