Rankings: Nebraska high school softball, Sept. 24

Comments: Class A hardly changes, but a new team cracks the Top 10 — Kearney. The Bearcats have won seven of their last eight games, including handing Norfolk its first losses since opening day. It's prove-it time as September soon turns to October. Kearney hosts No. 2 Lincoln Southwest on Tuesday in a doubleheader. The Silver Hawks have won eight in a row and 10 of their last 11, including a pair of 4-3 victories over No. 3 Millard North and No. 4 Papillion-La Vista over the weekend.

Comments: If any class needed a bigger rankings list, it's Class B. Many teams have played each other and split matchups. Aurora handed Grand Island Northwest its first loss of the season, Waverly continues a tough schedule with its final four opponents on the schedule a combined 70-24 ahead of Monday's game against Norris. Twenty-five of the Top 26 teams in wildcard standing currently have a winning record above .500.

Key games:Tuesday—Hastings at Norris; Milford at Crete; Thursday—Beatice at Crete; Blair Triangular (Hastings, Gretna East). Waverly vs. Gretna.

Comments: Class C continues to be a bruiser. The Top 3 are trying to separate themselves from the pack, but it seems anyone can have their day. NEN falls out after dropping four of its last five contests after they handed Guardian Angels CC one of its two losses on the season. Kearney Catholic had a tough early September but has now won five straight and gets a big test on Monday against No. 2 Hastings SC.

Lincoln Stars/Lincoln Saltdogs reporter