Milwaukee-area softball rankings, players and team of the week

AREA RANKINGS

1. Greenfield (7-0) 1

2. Wilmot (2-0) 2

3. Oak Creek (3-1) 3

4. Menomonee Falls (4-0) 4

5. Burlington (3-1) 5

6. Kewaskum (2-0) 6

7. Westosha Central (3-2) 7

8. Sussex Hamilton (1-1) 8

9. Whitnall (3-1) 10

10. Arrowhead (3-1) –

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Rayne Deffenbaugh, Milwaukee King: The Generals senior has struck out 33 hitters in 15 innings and has yet to give up a hit in five games pitched. She is also hitting .545 with two homers and 12 RBI despite limited at-bats due to the lopsided nature of the team’s games.

Honorable mention

Lauren Arnholdt, Germantown: The junior has started the season with eight hits in her first 11 at bats (.727), recording two doubles, two RBI and two stolen bases for the Warhawks.

Kiara Redman-Trotter, St. Francis: The Mariners opened Midwest Classic play with a 29-15 win over Faith Christian April 12. The junior outfielder went 2 for 3 with three RBI, driving in those runs with a home run and two-run single in the third inning.

Megan Verbeten, East Troy: The Trojans freshman went 3 for 4 with a single, double and home run in a 10-9 victory over Jefferson April. 12.

TEAM OF THE WEEK

Slinger: So far the North Shore Conference is working out just fine for the Owls. They won their first three game, outscoring their opponents, 24-6. Junior Keana Retzlaff and sophomore Maya Morris have combined for 45 strikeouts and just three walks so far. The team, which finished third in the Wisconsin Little Ten last season, also has four players hitting 500 or better: sophomore outfielder Dani Biedenbender (.750), Retzlaff (.666), sophomore shortstop Sylvia Flairty (.600) and junior catcher Taylor Rosine (.500).

COMING UP

Germantown at Menomonee Falls, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday:  Greater Metro newcomer Germantown faces the league's defending champion.

Elkhorn at Westosha Central, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday: This is a big week for Elkhorn.  The Elks also play host to Burlington on Thursday.

Waukesha North at Arrowhead, 5 p.m. Wednesday: Standout pitchers Maddy Anderson (North) and Mimi Bradley (Arrowhead) will likely get the call in the circle for this Classic 8 showdown.

Franklin at Oak Creek, 4:30 p.m. Wednesday:  These are two of the remaining three undefeated teams in the Southeast Conference.

Homestead at Slinger, 4:30 p.m. Thursday: North Shore newcomer Slinger faces its toughest test thus far.

Westosha Central Quad, 9 a.m. Saturday: The Falcons play host to Kaukauna, Menomonee Falls and Oak Creek, three teams favored to win their respective conferences.