Projected softball rankings

Monterey Bay League
Gabilan Divison
1. San Benito: The defending league champions have won five straight titles.
2. Notre Dame: Do the Spirits have enough pitching to three-peat in the CCS?
3. Christopher: The core from last year's playoff team is intact.
4. North Salinas: Going through its third coach in three years.
5. Salinas: Teams may not want to pitch to Harlee Noda.
6. Monterey: Why is anyone pitching to Gina Bruno?
7 Gilroy: Two all-leaguers are back in the fold for the Mustangs.

Pacific Division
1. Seaside: Back in the Pacific makes the Spartans an instant contender.
2. Alvarez: A program playing with a lot of confidence going into league play.
3. Monte Vista: A darkhorse in a balanced league.
4. Watsonville: Don't be mislead by the 0-5-1 start in non-league.
5. North County: Struggled in non-league holding teams under 10 runs.
6. Alisal: A program searching for an identity as it rebuilds.
7. Pajaro Valley: Has never manufactured a winning season.

Mission Trail Athletic League
1. Santa Catalina: Opponents are creeping up on a program chasing a fifth straight title.
2. Carmel: The parts are in place to make a title run this spring.
3. Stevenson: Will go as far at Jensen Main's right arm takes them.
4. Pacific Grove: Pitching has to improve to get into the title mix.
5. Soledad: Might be the most improved team in the MTAL.
6. Gonzales: Building a program takes patients.
7. King City: Last league title came 24 years ago.