King Philip still reigns in Globe softball Top 20

King Philip's Meg Rico returns to the No. 1 team and defending Div. 1 state champions. (Robert E. Klein / For the Boston Globe)

By Colleen Casey, Globe Correspondent

It's no surprise defending Div. 1 champs take the top spot in the Boston Globe Softball Top 20. King Philip welcomes back the power battery of George Washington commit Meg Rico and Olivia Godin. The Warriors haven't lost a league game since 2008. They're the team to beat.

Acton-Boxborough comes in at the second spot after winning the North title last season. With a deep tournament run under their belt, and only one new face to the lineup, the Colonials are contenders for the title.

With former Gatorade Player of the Year Shannon Smith leading Milford for her junior season, the Hawks are in the running for a championship.

Burlington, the defending Div. 2 North champs are back this year hungry for a deep tournament run after a losing in the state finals last season.

Norwood takes the eighth spot after a South Sectional final appearance. Will the Mustangs be able to reload after losing pitchers Ali Maloof and Lauren Duggan?

Case starts off in the final spot with their Div. 3 state final appearance last season. The Cardinals hope for a rematch against Turners Falls and this time claim the title.

See the Boston Globe softball Top 20.