As the MIAA state softball match kicks into full swing, a well-known title finds itself as soon as once more again within the fold.
Courtesy of Louisville-bound outfielder Ara Venturelli and Texas Tech commit Sam Lincoln, No. 3 Taunton finds itself as a premier contender for the Division 1 crown. The Tigers, nevertheless, can have loads of competitors.
Top-seeded Central Catholic and No. 2 King Philip each have the items to convey house the crown. Peabody is a severe contender behind Northeastern Conference most beneficial participant Abby Bettencourt.
The Middlesex League has a bunch of groups that will upset the apple cart with No. 11 Woburn, No. 16 Arlington and No. 17 Reading all serving as sleepers. An important-first spherical matchup between the Rockets and Spy Ponders is bound to attract loads of consideration.
Division 2 figures to be a battle royale between a bevy of groups who’ve expertise enjoying deep into June. Defending champion Westfield is the highest seed whereas Merrimack Valley Conference counterparts No. 2 Billerica and No. 3 Tewksbury discover themselves as soon as once more again within the title dialogue. Fifth-seeded North Attleborough has arguably the very best pitcher in Massachusetts in Kelly Colleran whereas No. 6 Walpole has its personal spectacular arm in Sharlotte Stazinski.
No. 19 Danvers and No. 14 Dartmouth meet in an fascinating first-round matchup. If the groups maintain serve, a matchup between No. 8 Silver Lake and top-seeded Westfield within the quarterfinals can be well worth the drive.
St. Mary’s appears like the favourite in Division 3 courtesy of ace Anna Fringuelli, however a quarterfinal matchup with both No. 8 North Reading or No. 9 Bishop Fenwick can be no cakewalk. Sixth-seeded Middleborough is seeking to avenge final yr’s state title defeat and has the posh of house subject by means of the primary two rounds. No. 2 Dighton-Rehoboth and No. 3 Hudson seem like on a last 4 collision course however both No. 19 Foxborough or No. 14 Medway could have the means to interrupt up the celebration.
A battle between No. 20 Medfield and No. 13 Gloucester presents an upset risk early within the match.
One division that has an opportunity to be an journey is Division 4 as a number of groups look state championship worthy. Along with the highest seeds, No. 7 Amesbury has championship pedigree and No. 13 Abington showcased it has loads of items when it knocked off Division 2 contender Walpole.
Turners Falls wants no introduction because the crew to beat in Division 5 because it has 10 state championships to its title. Top-seed Greenfield is using excessive after knocking off No. 2 Mount Greylock within the Western Mass. Class C title sport. MacKenzie Paulin is among the premier arms within the state. Both No. 22 Bourne and No. 17 Georgetown function harmful decrease seeded groups.
Predictions
DIVISION 1
CHAMPION: No. 3 Taunton
RUNNER-UP: No. 1 Central Catholic
FINAL FOUR: No. 1 Central Catholic, No. 2 King Philip, No. 3 Taunton. No. 5 Peabody
SLEEPER: No. 11 Woburn
BEST FIRST-ROUND MATCHUP: No. 17 Reading at No. 16 Arlington
UPSET SPECIAL: No. 18 Hingham over No. 15 Chelmsford
DIVISION 2
CHAMPION: No. 1 Westfield
RUNNER-UP: No. 6 Walpole
FINAL FOUR: No.1 Westfield, No. 2 Billerica, No. 5 North Attleborough, No. 6 Walpole
SLEEPER: No. 11 Bedford
BEST FIRST-ROUND MATCHUP: No. 19 Danvers at No. 14 Dartmouth
UPSET SPECIAL: No. 17 Wilmington over No. 16 Wakefield
DIVISION 3
CHAMPION: No. 1 St. Mary’s
RUNNER-UP: No. 3 Hudson
FINAL FOUR: No. 1 St. Mary’s, No. 2 Dighton-Rehoboth, No. 3 Hudson, No. 4 Norton
SLEEPER: No. 14 Medway
BEST FIRST-ROUND MATCHUP: No. 19 Foxborough at No. 14 Medway
UPSET SPECIAL: No. 20 Medfield over No. 13 Gloucester
DIVISION 4
CHAMPION: No. 1 Joseph Case
RUNNER-UP: No. 3 Clinton
FINAL FOUR: No. 1 Joseph Case, No. 3 Clinton, No. 4 Tyngsborough, No. 7 Amesbury
SLEEPER: No. 13 Abington
BEST FIRST-ROUND MATCHUP: No. 23 Malden Catholic at No. 10 Millbury
UPSET SPECIAL: None
DIVISION 5
CHAMPION: No. 3 Turners Falls
RUNNER-UP: No. 1 Greenfield
FINAL FOUR: No. 1 Greenfield, No. 2 Mount Greylock, No. 3 Turners Falls, No. 5 West Boylston
SLEEPER: No. 13 Hopedale
BEST FIRST-ROUND MATCHUP: No. 17 Georgetown at No. 16 Lee
UPSET SPECIAL: No. 22 Bourne over No. 11 Franklin County Tech
Source: www.bostonherald.com