With postseason play now beginning in the State of North Carolina, the pressure is even greater on North Davidson. The unbeaten squad now begins its quest for the Class 4A state title, while carrying the banner as the nation’s new No. 1 team in this week’s USA Today/NFCA High School Top 25, released Thursday by the Association.

North Davidson wrapped up its conference championship this past week with a 15-0 win over Mount Tabor and a 7-1 win over Davie County. For North Davidson, Tess Swing and Hannah Alexander were named co-pitchers of the year with a total of 10 players earning all-conference honors.

Former No. 1 Naples (Florida) lost a 3-2, nine-inning heartbreaker to Dunnellon in the Class 4A state championship game. With the defeat, the Golden Eagles fell to seventh in this week’s rankings, while Dunnellon bumped up to third.

Valencia (California) remains steady in second place. Coach Donna Lee’s squad beat Saugus 1-0 and Canyon 10-0 this past week. Postseason regional tournament play is next.

The Top Five this week also includes No. 4 Santiago (California) and No. 5 Frisco Wakeland (Texas) – each of whom had perfect weeks this past week.

The USA Today/NFCA Top 25 is compiled by state representatives from across the country. Records for this week’s poll include all games played through May 16, 2010.

The complete rankings may be found here.