NPF Power Rankings: USSSA Pride Surge Into Top Spot

Last week's National Pro Fastpitch results created some movement in our power rankings, as the league's standings were shuffled a bit due to the outcomes of some key matchups.

See below for this week's NPF power rankings.

1. USSSA Pride (9–3)

The NPF's defending champs are back in the top spot this week after improving their record to 9–3 and claiming sole possession of first place. The Pride, who are the winners of eight straight games, are enjoying the early success of rookie Amanda Lorenz, who is currently leading the league in home runs and runs scored.

2. Chicago Bandits (8–3)

The Bandits bumped up a spot this week after going 3–1 in a four-game series against the Canadian Wild. Pitcher Haylie Wagner, who leads the team in innings so far this season, currently possesses the highest strike percentage in the NPF at 76.6. She and the Bandits rely primarily on the offensive support of Emily Crane, Hannah Flippen and Kristyn Sandberg. Crane and Flippen lead the league in slugging percentage and triples, respectively, while Sandberg has the second-best RBI total in the NPF.

3. Canadian Wild (13–6)

The Wild fell two spots this week after dropping three of four games to the Bandits. The Canadian offense struggled to keep up, as the Wild pitching staff afforded 23 runs in four contests versus Chicago.

4. Cleveland Comets (6–8)

The Comets went 4–1 last week after picking up a win against the Aussie Peppers, and taking three of four from the Beijing Eagles. Cleveland's pitching staff was lights out, allowing just two runs in five games, including three shutouts. Aside from their pitching, another bright spot for the Comets has been Sammy Marshall's ability to steal bases. Marshall currently leads the NPF in swiped bags with 14.

5. Aussie Peppers (3–7)

The Peppers dropped all six games they played last week, including five games to the USSSA Pride. They will look to get back on track this week with a six-game series against the Eagles, followed by a three-game set with the Comets over the weekend.

6. Beijing Eagles (2–14)

Despite facing offensive struggles last week, the Eagles were able to pick up a victory over the Comets. The Beijing squad will face the Aussies on Monday in the first of six straight games against the Peppers.

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