Benet and Naperville Central will play for regional titles on Saturday after surviving the semifinals this week, but both will have a tough road to travel on the way to the Bolingbrook Sectional semifinals ... I think.
Benet's battle is uphill because we know the Redwings will have to face No. 1 Plainfield Central. Central's path is more mysterious because as of 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, West Aurora has yet to report a score to the IHSA ScoreZone letting softball fans know the winner between Wednesday's matchup with Downers Grove North. So, let's talk about Benet.
Plainfield Central is ranked third in the latest Chicago Sun-Times poll and for good reason. University of Michigan-bound shortstop Stephanie Kirkpatrick will be a handful for the Redwings. The Wildcats have won consecutive regional titles the past two years and three in the last five seasons. Last year they made it all the way to the super sectional before falling to Downers Grove South, which finished third in the state.
Benet's got their work cut out for them, but if pitcher Meghan Eastman throws strikes and the Redwings' powerful lineup can string together some hits, an upset can happen. The Wildcats nearly suffered an upset against Hinsdale Central on Tuesday, squeaking out a last minute 3-2 victory and proving that they're not infallible. But Bent has to take advantage of every mistake, every opportunity. Honestly, the Redwings need to play like they did in the first game of a May 3 doubleheader against Marian Catholic. Benet has the talent, it will be execution that matters most.
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