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This is going to be fun.

We’ve passed the halfway point in the Schuylkill League softball schedule, and there’s a whole lot more to be decided before the league playoffs begin May 11.

Pine Grove Area pulled out an eight-inning win at Blue Mountain to start the week. The Cardinals added three more wins, capped by Jamie Dinger’s five-inning perfect game against Tri-Valley in front of a big crowd Saturday night at Susan Y. Stump Field.

Those wins lifted Pine Grove Area (13-1) back into first place in the T102 Sports Now Super 7 Softball Poll for the first time since March 30.

Blue Mountain (12-2) slips to No. 2, while North Schuylkill (11-2) holds firm at No. 3 after a 3-0 week.

Williams Valley (11-1) stands at No. 4 on the strength of a 4-0 week that included impressive non-league wins over Upper Dauphin and Halifax.

Tri-Valley (7-4), Schuylkill Haven (9-5) and Minersville (8-6) round out the poll. Pottsville (8-5), winners of four straight; Tamaqua (7-6); and Marian (6-6) are on the outside looking in.

Heading into the week, Blue Mountain, North Schuylkill and Pine Grove Area are tied for the Division I lead at 7-1. At 8-0, Williams Valley has a two-game lead in Division II over Schuylkill Haven and Tri-Valley. Minersville is three games back of the Vikings.

Things will begin to shake out this week when North Schuylkill hosts Blue Mountain on Tuesday and Pine Grove Area hosts Tamaqua on Tuesday and travels to Pottsville on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Schuylkill Haven hosts Tri-Valley on Tuesday and plays at Minersville on Thursday.

Remember, the top three teams in each division qualify for the Schuylkill League playoffs. The division champions receive a bye into the semifinals.

The T102 Sports Now Super 7 Softball Poll normally appears each Monday during the regular season.

T102 Sports Now Super 7 Softball Poll

(Through games played Sunday, April 19)

1. Pine Grove Area (13-1)

Last poll: No. 2

Last week’s results: W Blue Mountain (5-3, 8 inn.), W Mahanoy Area (16-0, 3 inn.), W Lourdes (19-1, 3 inn.), W Tri-Valley (10-0, 5 inn.)

This week’s schedule: Tamaqua (Tuesday), at Pottsville (Thursday)

Around the horn: Cardinals’ short game devastating against Tri-Valley. Club starting to round into form.

2. Blue Mountain (12-1)

Last poll: No. 1

Last week’s results: L Pine Grove Area (5-3, 8 inn.), W Panther Valley (15-0, 4 inn.), W Minersville (10-0, 5 inn.)

This week’s schedule: at North Schuylkill (Tuesday), Mahanoy Area (Thursday), at Hazleton Area (Saturday)

Around the horn: Rebounded from tough loss to Pine Grove Area by blasting Panthers and Miners by combined 25-0.

3. North Schuylkill (11-2)

Last poll: No. 3

Last week’s results: W Lourdes (15-0, 4 inn.), W Mahanoy Area (21-0, 3 inn.), W Berwick (9-0)

This week’s schedule: Blue Mountain (Tuesday), at Panther Valley (Thursday)

Around the horn: Spartans have six shutouts this season. No errors last week; when they catch the ball, they’re tough to beat.

4. Williams Valley (11-1)

Last poll: No. 4

Last week’s results: W Upper Dauphin (13-0, 5 inn.), W Nativity (20-2, 4 inn.), W Halifax (9-4), W Marian (8-2)

This week’s schedule: at Line Mountain (Monday), Shenandoah Valley (Tuesday), at Weatherly (Thursday)

Around the horn: Vikings win 4 games in 4 days, 3 on the road. Impressive.

5. Tri-Valley (7-4)

Last poll: No. 7

Last week’s results: W Weatherly (10-0, 5 inn.), W Minersville (8-4, 11 inn.), L Pine Grove Area (10-0, 5 inn.)

This week’s schedule: at Pottsville (Monday, comp. of susp. game), at Schuylkill Haven (Tuesday), at Nativity (Thursday)

Around the horn: Elation with marathon victory over Minersville, disappointment with getting perfect game thrown at them against Pine Grove Area.

6. Schuylkill Haven (9-5)

Last poll: NR

Last week’s results: W Shenandoah Valley (18-0, 3 inn.), W Oley Valley (8-2), W Nativity (12-3)

This week’s schedule: Tri-Valley (Tuesday), at Minersville (Thursday)

Around the horn: Quietly put together 6-game winning streak. One of most improved teams in the league from start of season.

7. Minersville (8-6)

Last poll: No. 5

Last week’s results: W Marian (5-4), L Tri-Valley (8-4, 11 inn.), L Blue Mountain (10-0, 5 inn.)

This week’s schedule: Nativity (Tuesday), Schuylkill Haven (Thursday)

Around the horn: Coming off pair of tough losses, Miners look to get back on track and into Schuylkill League playoff race.

—- Compiled by Bob Lipsky