Calvary Softball Jumps to No. 5, Three Others Ranked in Latest NFCA High School Softball Poll
by Hunter Bower // Managing Editor
In the latest USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 Poll, Louisiana’s high school softball scene is ablaze with four formidable teams making their mark on the national stage. Among them, Calvary Baptist rockets up the rankings to claim the prestigious No. 5 spot, while Sterlington holds steady at No. 7, both showcasing their prowess with remarkable performances.
Calvary Baptist’s ascent to the top five is nothing short of sensational. The Lady Cavs have been on a tear, bolstering their record to an impressive 20-1. Their recent surge is highlighted by a remarkable streak of four consecutive shutout victories over the past week. Led by a blend of stellar pitching and potent offense, Calvary Baptist has firmly established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the high school softball landscape.
Not to be outdone, Sterlington has been a juggernaut throughout the season, maintaining an unblemished record of 21-0. Their recent victories have only served to reinforce their dominance, as they secured signature wins over perennial championship contenders such as North DeSoto, St. Thomas More, and Oak Grove. With a stingy defense that has limited opponents to no more than four runs all season, coupled with an explosive offense averaging nearly 10 runs per game, the Lady Panthers are leaving a trail of awe and admiration in their wake.
Meanwhile, St. Thomas More, boasting a commendable 20-2 record, has earned its rightful place in the NFCA Super 25 at No. 20. Their inclusion is a testament to their resilience and tenacity on the field, as they continue to challenge and overcome formidable opponents. On the other hand, North DeSoto, despite a trio of setbacks against formidable adversaries, still commands respect, holding strong at No. 21 in the rankings.
State rankings submitted by the 2024 NFCA High School Steering Committee are used to compile the USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25. Teams are chosen based on performance, roster quality and strength of schedule.
USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 Poll – March 21, 2024
| Rank | Team | 2024 Record | Previous |
| 1 | Pacifica (Calif.) | 13-0 | 1 |
| 2 | Katy (Texas) | 22-1-1 | 2 |
| 3 | Jackson (Wash.) | 5-0 | 3 |
| 4 | Northwest Rankin (Miss.) | 12-0 | 4 |
| 5 | Calvary Baptist (La.) | 20-1 | 11 |
| 6 | Austintown-Fitch (Ohio) | 0-0 | 7 |
| 7 | Sterlington (La.) | 21-0 | NR |
| 8 | Basha (Ariz.) | 14-1-1 | 8 |
| 9 | Antioch (Ill.) | 4-0 | NR |
| 10 | Diamond (Mo.) | 7-0 | NR |
| 11 | Watkins Memorial (Ohio) | 1-0 | 13 |
| 12 | Rockridge (Ill.) | 1-0 | 14 |
| 13 | Bingham (Utah) | 7-0 | 24 |
| 14 | Red Mountain (Ariz.) | 12-1 | 15 |
| 15 | Ballard (Ky.) | 1-0 | 19 |
| 16 | Roncalli (Ind.) | 0-0 | 20 |
| 17 | Lincoln-Way East (Ill.) | 4-1 | NR |
| 18 | Canyon Del Oro (Ariz.) | 15-1 | 18 |
| 19 | Benton (Ark.) | 4-1 | 22 |
| 20 | St. Thomas More (La.) | 20-2 | NR |
| 21 | North DeSoto (La.) | 20-3 | 5 |
| 22 | Marist (Ill.) | 2-1 | 6 |
| 23 | Lemont (Ill.) | 1-1 | 12 |
| 24 | Neshoba Central (Miss.) | 8-2 | 16 |
| T25 | Coral Springs Charter (Fla.) | 7-2 | 21 |
| T25 | West Stanly (N.C.) | 8-1 | 17 |