High School softball | Regional finals matchups

DIVISION III

Who: LaBrae vs. Columbia Station Columbia.

When: Today, noon.

Where: Massillon High School, Massillon. The field is across the street from the east parking lot of Paul Brown Tiger Stadium.

How they advanced: Columbia Station (27-4) defeated Loudonville, 5-3, in Wednesday’s semifinal game. LaBrae (18-8-1) defeated Ursuline, 10-2, in Thursday’s semifinal.

Notes: Junior shortstop Somer McCoy powered the Vikings with two doubles in the win over the Irish. Senior Jessica Buck also had a double while sophomore pitcher Emily Dugan scattered nine hits. The Vikings took full advantage of six errors by the Irish. Nine of their runs were unearned. Columbia uses three pitchers — Christine Lyzen, Amanda Sedlock and Kailey Minarchik. The Raiders’ best offensive threat is senior/Baldwin Wallace recruit Emma Sullivan, followed by Emily Vaccarone, Sedlock and Kaley Marshall. They are ranked fourth in the final state poll.

Next: The winner will play either Columbus Bishop Ready (14-15) or Clermont Northeast (22-5) in Friday’s state semifinal game at Firestone Stadium in Akron.

DIVISION IV

Who: Mathews vs. North Robinson Colonel Crawford.

When: Today, noon.

Where: Kent State University.

How they advanced: Mathews (22-8) edged Cuyahoga Heights, 1-0, in Wednesday’s semifinal. Colonel Crawford also won a one-run game, defeating Jackson-Milton 2-1 on Thursday.

Notes: The Mustangs, who finished fifth in the state poll, return their entire starting lineup from last year’s state runner-up team. Sophomore Cheyenne Eggens is the pitcher. The seniors include third baseman Jacki Rhine, catcher Hollie Shreve and shortstop Jessica Marsico. Colonel Crawford is making its 14th regional appearance. Their ace is Nickyla Garverick.The Eagles have been to state six times, but the last appearance was in 2002. Lexi Hoepf and Bri Rankins are their top threats at the plate.

Next: The winner will play either Rockford Parkway (21-5, number two in the state poll) or Edgerton (17-6) on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at Firestone Stadium in Akron.

Staff report