Softball 2023: Gazette-area Super Ten (preseason)

The 2023 Iowa high school softball season begins with practices statewide today. As is tradition, Cedar Rapids Jefferson got a head start with its annual Midnight Madness.

Competition begins May 22, with the state tournament set for July 17-21 at the Rogers Sports Complex, Fort Dodge.

The following is a Gazette-area preseason Super Ten:

1. Williamsburg

2022 overall record: 34-11

2022 conference record: 18-4 Wamac (T-1st, West Division)

2022 postseason: Class 3A state qualifier, 3rd place

Returning starters: 9

2. Iowa City Regina

2022 overall record: 24-11

2022 conference record: 8-5 River Valley South (5th)

2022 postseason: Class 2A state champion

Returning starters: 9

3. Lisbon

2022 overall record: 35-6

2022 conference record: 20-2 Tri-Rivers (1st, East Division)

2022 postseason: Class 1A state tournament, T-7th

Returning starters: 8

4. North Linn

2022 overall record: 33-10

2022 conference record: 21-1 Tri-Rivers (1st, West Division)

2022 postseason: Class 1A state qualifier, 4th place

Returning starters: 7

5. Linn-Mar

2022 overall record: 36-6

2022 conference record: 28-2 MVC (1st, Mississippi Division)

2022 postseason: Class 5A state tournament, T-7th

Returning starters: 5

6. Mount Vernon

2022 overall record: 36-4

2022 conference record: 21-1 Wamac (1st, East Division)

2022 postseason: Class 3A state champion

Returning starters: 4

7. Cedar Rapids Xavier

2022 overall record: 21-19

2022 conference record: 15-15 MVC (T-3rd, Valley Division)

2022 postseason: Class 4A regional semifinalist

Returning starters: 8

8. Cedar Rapids Kennedy

2022 overall record: 24-16

2022 conference record: 21-9 MVC (2nd, Valley Division)

2022 postseason: Class 5A regional semifinalist

Returning starters: 6

9. Benton Community

2022 overall record: 25-16

2022 conference record: 13-9 Wamac (3rd, West Division)

2022 postseason: Class 4A regional finalist

Returning starters: 8

10. Clear Creek Amana

2022 overall record: 29-10

2022 conference record: 18-4 Wamac (T-1st, West Division)

2022 postseason: Class 4A regional finalist

Returning starters: 6

Area class rankings

Class 5A: 1. Linn-Mar (36-6), 2. Cedar Rapids Kennedy (24-16), 3. Iowa City Liberty (28-14), 4. Cedar Rapids Jefferson (18-20), 5. Cedar Rapids Prairie (23-18).

Class 4A: 1. Cedar Rapids Xavier (21-19), 2. Clear Creek Amana (29-10), 3. Western Dubuque (22-17), 4. Maquoketa (24-17), 5. Decorah (15-9).

Class 3A: 1. Williamsburg (34-11), 2. Mount Vernon (36-4), 3. Benton Community (25-16), 4. Mid-Prairie (16-13), 5. Solon (20-16).

Class 2A: 1. Iowa City Regina (24-11), 2. Lisbon (35-6), 3. Cascade (19-12), 4. Jesup (19-12), 5. Alburnett (18-17).

Class 1A: 1. North Linn (33-10), 2. Sigourney (23-6), 3. Highland (21-9), 4. Springville (22-14), 5. Central City (34-8).

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com