High school softball midseason report

The ranks of undefeated squads remaining in Section II softball may be small, but that does not mean there is a lack of quality squads or compelling stories this spring.

As all of the squads have been forced to dodge raindrops and athletic directors reconfigured their schedules, several make-up games added to the existing schedules should provide an exciting conclusion to the 2019 regular-season slate.

Here is our midseason report for Section II softball:

What we have learned so far

On a chilly April 3 afternoon, Colonie spoiled the season-opener for Shenendehowa by engineering a 5-2 road win. The Plainsmen proceeded to reel off 11 straight wins since that frigid loss to the Garnet Raiders before dropping a 2-1 decision Saturday against John Jay. Later Saturday, Shenendehowa beat Maine-Endwell 3-0. Sophomore pitchers Mariana Abate and Ava Caputo have settled in nicely and the offense is producing ample run support — led by the duo of Emily Carroll and Sophia Caputo. Outside of Shenendehowa, the rest of the Class AA contenders have taken turns beating each other in the first month. Bethlehem, Colonie, Columbia, Guilderland and Shaker have taken turns producing big wins. ... Ballston Spa entered the week undefeated and ranked No. 3 in the Class A state poll after reaching the 2018 Class AA state final. The Scotties proceeded to fall on consecutive days against Averill Park and Shenendehowa. Few teams, however, can match the top of Ballston Spa's lineup featuring shortstop Ana Gold, first baseman Megan McMahon, catcher Ange Stile and pitcher Lauren Kersch. ... Ichabod Crane, winner of the 2018 Class B state title, is ranked No. 3 in the Class B state poll and stands at 9-1 overall. Leading the way offensively are Emma Scheitinger, Gabbie Cox, Kaili Saccento, Brittany Futia and Jenna Downey. ... Whitehall has only...