Softball qualifers run the gamut

One team has as much experience as any in making trips to the regional, one is hoping to build a tradition, another has earned its first trip to the Sweet 16 in four years while the other is making its debut.
Meet the high school softball teams from Poland, Ursuline, Jackson-Milton and Howland which have earned regional tournament games and will be playing Wednesday at 4:30 hoping to earn a spot in the state's Elite Eight in each division.
Poland, which is making its third straight regional trip in Division II, is no stranger to Akron's Firestone Stadium. Coach Reid Lamport's Bulldogs have been the Mahoning Valley's dominant program over the past two decades, winning 17 consecutive league crowns.
Recent seasons
Two years ago, Poland advanced to the state title game. Last year's season ended in the regional final with a one-run loss in extra innings to eventual state champion Walsh Jesuit.
This year's Bulldogs (22-5), led by seniors Jessica Lamport (pitcher) and Katie Naumoff (right fielder), won the Metro Athletic Conference with a 9-1 record, edging Howland (8-2).
Poland also won a spring break tournament in Myrtle Beach, S.C., defeating Howland of all teams for the crown.
Poland opens regional play against Ashtabula Edgewood, which defeated state-ranked Tallmadge, 4-3, in the district final.
If Poland wins, the Bulldogs' regional final opponent will be the winner of Thursday's game between Walsh Jesuit (22-3) and Marlington (20-1). All softball and baseball regional finals are scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m.
The Bulldogs and Crusaders have one thing in common -- a loss to Boardman (27-2). Two weeks ago, the Spartans rallied for five runs in the seventh inning to defeat Poland, 5-1. Against Walsh, Boardman was limited to two hits but won, 1-0.
Down the road
Lamport and Walsh's Lorena Floccari have excellent movement on their pitches. Should these two powerhouses meet, the key for Poland will be for leadoff batters Steffi Graf and Lamport to reach base and give Naumoff, Stephanie Russell and Jessie Modic RBI opportunities.
Mike Kernan's Ursuline Irish (20-10) are making their second-straight Division III regional appearance with what's believed to be the first 20-win team in school history.
The Irish finished second in the Steel Valley Conference with a 6-2 record, losing twice to Boardman.
Ali Vitello, the Irish's lone senior, is the sparkplug that makes the team go as she bats leadoff and catches. Sophomore pitcher Maureen Cearfoss has two regional trips in as many varsity seasons.
Ursuline travels to Massillon's Genshaft Field to play Jeromesville Hillsdale (20-7). If the Irish win, they'll play Thursday's winner of the Independence (21-2)/Rootstown (20-9) game.
In Division IV, Jackson-Milton (20-6), which finished second in the Inter-County League, is making its first regional trip since 1999.
The Bluejays' fate against Crestline (24-4) at Kent State University rests on the arm of pitcher Corey Velk, who has more than 50 varsity wins in her four-year career.
Newcomer
The surprise of the quartet is Brian Earich's Howland Tigers (19-4), who upset Boardman for the district title to earn what's believed to be the Tigers' first regional trip.
Seniors Kristina Ferenac and Darcy Quinlan will lead the Tigers' offense against Medina (23-3) at the University of Akron's Buchtel Field. The pitcher is Barbie Lewis, who has recovered from ACL surgery last fall.
If the Tigers' winning streak continues, they'll face Massillon Perry (18-8) or Painesville Riverside (17-7) for a trip to state competition in Ashland.
XTom Williams is a sportswriter for The Vindicator. Write him at williams@vindy.com.