Here’s a look at how I think today’s Class B and C regional semifinal and finals will go:
Semifinals
Class B: Highland (Section 9) vs. Valhalla: The irony here is that these games today are going to be played at high school of the team that has knocked Valhalla out of the state tournament for the last three years running — Rhinebeck High School. Madeline DeMilio, Brandi Coon, Jade Fumarelli, Danielle Maffei and the veterans know what the deal is. Sydni Holtz has been pitching really well during the Section 1 tournament. Now the question is, how can she handle the pressure of the state tournament? Highland played a really tough game in their Section 9 final on Monday. Here’s Justin Rodriguez’s game story: Highland wins The key is for the Vikings to get ahead early and stay ahead. This closer may only be a sophomore but she’s really good. If the Vikings can jump out early; then they can get to the point that Dobbs Ferry has gotten to in the last six years, the regional final. The Vikings have the talent to do it. Prediction: Valhalla 6, Highland 4
Class C: Tuxedo vs. Haldane: Tuxedo had a very dominating performance in the Class C final the other day. Here’s Justin Rodriguez’s story from the record online: Tuxedo wins Marley Chefalo is probably going to get the start today for the Blue Devils and I think this will be an interesting challenge for the young hurler. As you can tell from the story, Tuxedo has a potent offense. But at the same time, their pitcher Kelly Ross has got to deal with Haldane’s offense and a tandem like Sam Lisikatos and Ally Monteleone at the top of the order. This Blue Devils team has been in this position before last year. I think that since they don’t have to travel that far this time around is going to help them out tremendously. But also, don’t forget, the Blue Devils haven’t played since Thursday. Tuxedo may be a little bit fresher right out of the gate but Haldane is Haldane. They’re very well coached and they will be ready to go. So I think that Haldane will get out of the first game and go to Heroes field to vie for the chance to get back to the state final four. Prediction: Haldane 6, Tuxedo 4
Regional finals
Class B: Valhalla vs. Carle Place/Babylon winner: After what I’ve seen in the state tournaments over the years, the softball teams on Long Island are no joke. The winner of the Long Island game will present a major challenge for the Vikings. Both of the Long Island representatives have a combined three losses. (see the state rankings if you don’t believe me). I think there’s something very special about this Vikings team and the fact that they played a very close game with Rye Neck in the Section 1 finals is going to be a very good thing for the Vikings in this final. Prediction: Valhalla 3, Long Island representative 2
Class C: Haldane vs. East Rockaway/Pierson winner: When it comes to the match up (and the same thing goes for the previous round), don’t let the records fool you. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Haldane has been here before and they know what it takes to win the regional title. They are very well coached and I think that this experienced team will get the job done. I do think that this game will be closer than the first one. I think this will come down to a game-winning hit for the Blue Devils and I think it would be fitting if either of the seniors Kelsey Flaherty or Judi Barcavage get it. Prediction: Haldane 4, Long Island representative 3
