Canfield, Ursuline hoping for charms

By Tom Williams

Warren JFK’s softball team also will be playing in this week’s regional tournaments.

The Canfield and Ursuline High softball teams are hoping the third time is the charm when they return to regional competition this week.

For the third straight season, the Cardinals (19-4-1) and Irish (21-6) have won their district tournaments.

There’s a change for Canfield, which lost to Division I state champion North Canton Hoover in the 2006 regional final and to state champion Hudson in the 2007 regional semifinal.

This year, the Cardinals are competing in Div. II.

Wednesday at 5 p.m. at Akron’s Firestone Stadium, Canfield will play Chardon Notre Dame Cathedral Latin (24-3) in a regional semifinal game. The winner will play either Southeast (21-5) or Akron Hoban (24-2) on Saturday.

“We’re so excited to get [back] to the regional,” said Cards senior pitcher Tricia Bettura after Canfield edged Poland 2-1 in the district title game.

Bettura (13-2) is one of several Cardinals who play key roles for Coach Ronie Haurin this season.

The infield included third baseman Melissa West (Bowling Green), shortstop Brittany Danilov and first baseman Bryanne Halfhill. At second base is freshman Melanie West, Melissa’s sister.

“Our seniors in the infield just save so many plays, which helps the pitcher out a lot,” Haurin said. “Melissa, what can I say? Her arm is [so strong]. Her bat has been a little sluggish lately but she’s been coming on at the right time.”

With Canfield trailing Poland 1-0 in the sixth inning, West tripled to score Danilov.

In the seventh inning, senior catcher Mandy Moliterno doubled. Her courtesy runner scored the winning run on Bianca Biondillo’s hit.

The Irish, coached by Michael Kernan, needed two one-run wins at district to earn their third straight trip to Massillon.

Thursday at 5 p.m., the Irish will play Akron Manchester (20-6) at Genshaft Park. The winner will play either Wellington (20-4) or Pymatuning Valley (22-6) on Saturday.

Leading the Irish defensively will be sophomore pitcher Casey Lower (19-5). The offense is triggered by senior catcher Nikka Bonamase and junior Miranda Carkido.

Also earning a trip west is Ursuline’s Steel Valley Conference rival Warren JFK. Joe Sylvester’s Eagles (18-4) blanked Sebring (5-0) and East Canton (2-0) in Div. IV district play. Junior Rachel Pico tossed both shutouts. It’s JFK’s first regional appearance since 1992.

Wednesday at 5 p.m. at Kent State University, Warren JFK will play Dalton (19-10). The winner will play Windham (10-13) or Steubenville Central Catholic (21-7) in the regional final.

Joe Sylvester, JFK’s fifth-year coach, expects a pitching duel as Dalton’s ace has 239 strikeouts this season.

“They are one of the best Div. IV teams in the state,” Sylvester said.

williams@vindy.com