Following a big victory over 4A Wilmington Hoggard last week, the East Columbus High School softball team has climbed to the No. 3 ranking in this week’s North Carolina Fastpitch Coaches Association Class 1A poll.

The Lady Gators, who opened Waccamaw 1A-2A Conference action Wednesday night against Whiteville, put its record at 6-0 with a 4-2 comeback win over Hoggard last Thursday.

Defending state champion East Surry is currently the state’s No. 1 team in the 1A ranks and North Moore is ranked second.

East Columbus, which dropped from 2A to 1A this year, has won or shared the last three Waccamaw Conference championships.

Rounding out the top 10 in the NCFCA 1A poll are South Stanly, Union, Cherryville, Gates County, Jamesville, Polk County and Pender.

East Columbus coach Larry Williamson said he was pleased to his team received such a high-ranking, especially since this year’s team is relatively young compared to his teams of the past three seasons.

“We’re kind of the new kid on the block with this ranking thing,” Williamson said. “It’s a good thing but it can also kind of put a target on your back.”

Forbush is currently the state’s top-ranked 2A team while Kings Mountain tops the 3A rankings. Nationally ranked Central Cabarrus is No. 1 in the 4A poll.