HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW Regional softball

DIVISION I
Howland vs. Medina
When: Wednesday, 4:30 p.m.
Where: University of Akron Buchtel Field. Take I-76 west to Akron to Route 8 north. Take Buchtel Avenue exit and proceed to second stop sign. Turn left and proceed about three blocks past Rhodes Arena (on right). Turn left at next intersection. Proceed through next traffic light then take first right. Field entrance is on left.
Howland (19-4) scouting report: The Tigers advanced to their first regional in school history by defeating Boardman, 2-0, in the district final. Howland, the second-place team in the Metro Athletic Conference, also defeated Fitch, 3-1 in extra innings, and Garfield Heights, 8-1, in tournament play.
Probable lineup: Meredith Schneider, shortstop; Darcy Quinlan, center field; Amy Cornicelli, second base; Kristina Ferenac, catcher; Stephanie Cornicelli, left field; Kim Moore, third base; Stephanie Joy, first base; Barb Lewis, pitcher; Allison Post, right field; Alissa Thomas, designated hitter.
Medina (23-3) scouting report: In tournament action, Medina defeated Akron Ellet, 2-1, in the district final and Brunswick, 23-3.
Other pairing: The Howland-Medina winner will play either Massillon Perry (18-8) or Painesville Riverside (17-7) for the regional title on Saturday at 1 p.m.
DIVISION II
Poland vs. Ashtabula Edgewood
When: Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.
Where: Firestone Stadium, Akron. Take I-76 west to Akron to I-77 south, proceed about a mile to the Wilbeth Road exit. Turn right onto Wilbeth Road and proceed about a mile. Watch for ballpark on the right.
Poland (22-5) scouting report: The Bulldogs won the Metro Athletic Conference with a 9-1 record for their 17th consecutive league title. In tournament action, Poland received a scare at West Branch, winning 1-0 with a run in the bottom of the seventh inning. In district play, Poland blanked Hubbard, 3-0, and downed Mooney, 5-3. The Bulldogs are ranked fifth in the most recent state Division II poll by coaches.
Probable lineup: Steffi Graf, shortstop; Jessica Lamport, pitcher; Katie Naumoff, right field; Stephanie Russell, catcher; Jessie Modic, third base; Britt Davis, center field; Mallory Conger, first base; Amy Nelson, designated hitter; Amy Young, left field; Krista Ginnetti, second base.
Edgewood (20-5) scouting report: Edgewood was the top seed in the Jefferson district, but had to defeat state-ranked Tallmadge (sixth) to win the crown (4-3). Edgewood's other tournament wins were against Lakeview, 16-0, and Uniontown Lake, 1-0.
Other pairing: The Poland/Edgewood winner will play Crestwood or Marlington (20-1 and ninth in the state poll) for the regional title Saturday at 1 p.m.
DIVISION III
Ursuline vs. Jeromesville Hillsdale
When: Wednesday, 4:30 p.m.
Where: Genshaft Field, Massillon.
Ursuline (20-10) scouting report: Although they weren't seeded, the Irish won their second consecutive district crown with an 8-1 victory over Painesville Harvey. Ursuline, the second-place team in the Steel Valley Conference, scored seven times in the seventh inning last Thursday in Orwell to secure the win. In other tournament action, Ursuline survived several close calls: LaBrae, 1-0; Mineral Ridge, 4-3 in eight innings; and Garrettsville Garfield, 4-3.
Probable lineup: Ali Vitello, catcher; Courtney Davidson, shortstop; Vanessa Dickson, third base; Jenna Vrabel, first base; Staci Ziobert, second base; Maureen Cearfoss, pitcher; Ashley Siembieda, designated hitter; Brittani Schonce, left field; Alassandra Parry, right field; and Mariah Snyder, center field.
Hillsdale (20-7) scouting report: Hillsdale is ranked ninth in this week's state poll by coaches. In tournament action, Hillsdale defeated: Sullivan Black River, 3-0; Tuslaw, 3-0; West Salem Northwest, 5-3; and Loudonville, 1-0.
Other pairing: The Ursuline/Hillsdale winner will play either Independence (21-2) or Rootstown (20-9) for the regional title on Saturday at 1 p.m.
DIVISION IV
Jackson-Milton vs. Crestline
When: Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.
Where: Kent State University Dix Stadium. Take I-76 west to state Route 43 exit. Turn right and go north three miles on Route 43. Turn right onto Route 261 and proceed about two miles to Summit Road. Turn right onto Summit Road and watch for stadium on the left.
Jackson-Milton (21-6) scouting report: The Bluejays, the second-place team in the Inter-County League, pounded East Canton, 9-1, for the district title. They also defeated Lordstown, 7-0, and Windham, 3-0, in tournament action.
Probable lineup: Corey Velk, pitcher; Lynsey Kosa, shortstop; Niki James, third base; Jayne Fenton, outfield; Shannon McGee, second base; Marta Karabova, outfield; Rhea Weimer, first base; Kay Bruss, catcher; and Audry Robinson, outfield.
Crestline (24-4) scouting report: Crestline defeated Lucas and Mansfield St. Peter to advance to the region.
Other pairing: Bristol (13-5) plays Gates Mills Gilmour Academy (17-2) today for the district title. The winner will play Mogadore (14-14) in the other regional semifinal. The regional title game is set for Saturday at 1 p.m.