CSM Softball Power Rankings, May 18, 2026: Illini Bluffs overtakes Brimfield, Canton and IVC move up after strong weeks

After a jam-packed two-month regular season, the postseason has arrived in softball as regional quarterfinals begin on Monday. Dunlap (Mid-Illini), Brimfield/Elmwood (Inter-County and Prairieland) and Olympia (Sangamo) won their respective conferences, but everyone’s slate is wiped clean in the postseason, where strong pitching and timely hitting frequently prove to be more important than simply having the better record. Many of the teams in this week’s CSM Softball Power Rankings have the potential to make deep playoff runs. Illini Bluffs overtook the No. 1 small school spot while Canton and IVC were elevated into the rankings after several notable wins last...