PREP SOFTBALL Today’s regional semifinals
Division II REGIONAL SEMIFINAL
Canfield (26-4) vs. Jefferson (24-3)
When: Today, 5 p.m.
Where: Firestone Stadium, Akron.
Projected lineup: Canfield head coach Ray Melewski has used senior Allison Fabry and sophomore Bridget Durkin as his starters in tournament games. Projected starters are: Ally Sammarco, center field; Maura Kennedy, second base; Rachel Tinkey, shortstop; Kara Rothbauer, right field; Amelia Manenti, catcher; Darby Cockrell, first base; Karina Kennedy, third base; Jill Baker, designated player; and Marina Sturgeon, left field.
Rematch: On May 8, Jefferson defeated Canfield, 1-0, in a Mahoning Valley Invitational game at Liberty Township Park. Falcons starter Alyssa Irons tossed a three-hitter. Melewski says Irons reminds him of Mathews ace Cheyenne Eggens. “She’s tough,” Canfield’s four-year head coach said.
Next: The winner will play Cleveland Heights Beaumont on Saturday for a state berth.
Division III REGIONAL SEMIFINAL
South Range (21-6) vs. Elyria Catholic (15-14)
When: Today, 5 p.m.
Where: Massillon High School.
Projected lineup: South Range starters are likely to be: Morgan Czopur, left field; Felecia Gaeta, catcher; Sarah Moretti, shortstop; Jordan Youngs, center field; Taylor Helon, first base; Codi Taylor, third base; Morgan Smith, designated player; Jessica Skripac, right field; Lydia Baird, second base; and Caragyn Yanek, pitcher. The biggest change for the Raiders this season was Moretti, a three-year letterwinner at catcher, taking over at shortstop for the graduated Stevie Taylor (Youngstown State).
Next: The winner will play Champion on Saturday for a state berth.
Division IV REGIONAL SEMIFINAL
Mathews (23-5) vs. Western Reserve (14-7)
When: Today, 5 p.m.
Where: Kent State University.
Projected lineups: Western Reserve’s starters are likely to be: Jenny Stubbs, infield; Tory White, catcher; Aleah Hughes, pitcher; Maddie Kreitzburg, first base; Alexis Miller, infield; Abby Hemphill, outfield; Kaitlyn Deal, designated player; Maia Cormell, third base; Arianna Gregorino, outfield; and Sydney Miller, outfield. Mathews’ projected lineup has: Lenna Hoff, right field; Paula Sponsler, center field; Jenna Siefert, catcher; Meredith Grimes, first base; Karli Romesberg, left field; Marisa ODell, designated player; Cheyenne Eggens, pitcher; Maddy Nicula, third base; Massie Williams, shortstop; and Paige Sponsler, second base.
Next: The winner will play Cuyahoga Heights on Saturday for a state berth.
Staff report