Minnesota Top 25: The Star Tribune’s statewide high school softball ranking

The high school softball season is in full swing, with most northern teams able to start play last week.

As expected, it’s the big arms that are leading the charge. Mankato East goes as senior pitcher Kylinn Stangl goes. So far, she has been as good as advertised: three victories, 35 strikeouts and just one earned run allowed for the future Gophers pitcher.

The same can be said for Randolph’s Carter Raymond. Another University of Minnesota signee (and 2024 Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year), Raymond and her 65-mph fastball have been lights out early.

One name to know is United South Central junior pitcher Mariah Anderson. A fireballer, she not only leads the state in strikeouts (73), but she also recently surpassed 1,000 strikeouts for her career.

Meanwhile, Forest Lake is making a strong case for the top spot after polishing off some pretty good foes early, and infielders Maddy Freking and second baseman Jordyn Jones have combined for five home runs and 18 RBI for a one-loss Anoka squad.

In other notable games the past week, Rosemount pitcher Jorey Fry put a stopper in a Hastings comeback to preserve a 5-4 victory; Stillwater’s four wins have been by five total runs; and Centennial pulled off a 7-6 victory over Maple Grove.

Schools are Class 4A unless noted. Records are through Monday.

1. Mankato East (3A, 3-0). Last week: No. 1

2. Forest Lake (4A, 5-0). Last week. No. 2

3. Rosemount (4A, 4-0). Last week: No. 4

4. Farmington (4A, 3-0). Last week: No. 6

5. Randolph (2A, 5-0). Last week: No. 9

6. Champlin Park (4A, 3-1). Last week: No. 3

7. Stillwater (4A, 4-1). Last week: No. 5

8. St. Michael-Albertville (4A, 3-0): Last week: No. 11

9. Anoka (4A, 6-1). Last week: No. 12

10. Holy Angels (3A, 4-0). Last week: No. 16

11. Maple Grove (4A, 3-1). Last week: No. 10

12. Cretin-Derham Hall (3A, 2-2). Last week: No. 8

13. Winona (3A, 4-1). Last week: No. 13

14. Rogers (4A, 3-2). Last week. No. 7

15. Park of Cottage Grove (4A, 4-1). Last week: No. 15

16. St. Francis (3A, 3-0). Last week: No. 22

17. Delano (3A, 3-0). Last week: No. 18

18. Caledonia (2A, 5-0). Last week. No. 20

19. United South Central (1A, 5-0). Last week: No. 23

20. Fairmont (2A, 4-0). Last week: NR

21. Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton (2A, 3-0). Last week: NR

22. St. Agnes (2A, 4-0). Last week: NR

23. Red Lake Falls (1A, 3-0). Last week: NR

24. Providence Academy (2A, 4-1). Last week. No. 24

25. Rochester Mayo (4A, 5-0). Last week: NR