PACIFICA HIGH’S softball team is ranked first in our initial High 5 poll for spring 2023 (Shutterstock).

The Pacifica High School Mariner softball team tops The Tribune’s initial High 5 rankings for the spring 2023 season.

Although the M’s have a relatively modest record (3-2) compared to the teams ranked second through fourth with six and seven wins, it must be taken into account that they are a Division I team that plays a tougher schedule than many others in West Orange County.

Chief rivals for the Mariners in the Empire League are Crean Lutheran (2-0) and Cypress (4-1-1). League play starts on Tuesday, March 21 vs. Valencia, and Pacifica faces its first big EL test on March 23 against Crean.

The second-ranked MarinaVikings (7-0) are not only unbeaten but are nearly unscored-upon. They’ve given up just six runs and scored 46. Although Edison (3-2) is our fifth-ranked High 5 team, the Vikes’ toughest opponent in the Sunset League may be Los Alamitos (2-1), a perennial power. The Vikes and Griffins will face off on March 15 and April 4.

Marina and Edison will meet on March 14 and April 6.

Ocean View and Garden Grove are 13-1 between them and seem likely to fight for the Golden West League crown. League play starts on April 5 and the two rivals will meet on April 7 at the Argo diamond and again on  April 24 at OVHS in the last GWL contest of the season.

Westminster (4-3) should be in the playoff mix as well.

In the Garden Grove League, no team has – so far – risen above the pack.  Conference play begins on March 21; co-favorites Los Amigos and La Quinta will meet on April 11 and 26.