The IHSA announced the Class 4A softball pairings on Friday and it looks like Naperville Central has the easiest road to a regional title. I should note that by easy, I mean at least compared to other area teams in the Bolingbrook Sectional.
Still, the Redhawks won't be in cruise control as they'll likely stare down DuPage Valley Conference rival West Aurora in the West Aurora regional title game. Central has yet to play the Blackhawks in conference, but will meet up with them for the first time this Tuesday. The Redhawks will also play West Aurora a second time on May 14. I'm more inclined to use that game as a a better indicator of how a potential regional title matchup might play out, simply because it's closer to playoffs, which open May 19.
A complete analysis of the Bolingbrook Sectional regional pairings after the jump.
Neuqua Valley Regional
Mon., May 19
Game 1 at 4:30 pm: (19) East Aurora at (15) Bolingbrook
Tue., May 20
Game 2 at 4:30 pm: (3) Downers Grove South vs. Winner Game 1
Wed., May 21
Game 3 at 4:30 pm: (6) Plainfield South vs. (11) Neuqua Valley
Sat., May 24
Game 4 at 10:00 am: Winner Game 2 vs. Winner Game 3
Neuqua Valley has not played Plainfied South this season. South has some quality wins under its belt, including victories against Joliet Catholic and Providence. But the Wildcats are on the rise and have won six out of thier last seven games, which should make for a competitive matchup. Neuqua will face Downers Grove South on May 15. Last season, the Wildcats surprised everyone by upsetting Benet in the semifinals, but fell to DGS in the title game.
Lockport-Twp. Regional
Mon., May 19
Game 1 at 4:30 pm: (18) Waubonsie Valley at (16) Oswego East
Tue., May 20
Game 2 at 4:30 pm: (2) Lockport Twp. vs. Winner Game 1
Wed., May 21
Game 3 at 4:30 pm: (7) Wheaton Warrenville South vs. (10) Naperville North
Sat., May 24
Game 4 at 11:00 am: Winner Game 2 vs. Winner Game 3
Waubonsie has not played Oswego East this season, but North swept East in a doubleheader and the Warriors beat North on Thursday. The confidence boosting win over North could help the Warriors survive the quarterfinal round. North has struggled in the DVC (two wins) and has already lost to WW South once this season (6-0). The Huskies will get another shot at the Tigers this Wednesday.
Hinsdale Central Regional
Mon., May 19
Game 1 at 4:30 pm: (14) Hinsdale Central vs. (17) Romeoville
Tue., May 20
Game 2 at 4:30 pm: (1) Plainfield Central vs. Winner Game 1
Wed., May 21
Game 3 at 4:30 pm: (8) Hinsdale South vs. (9) Benet Academy
Sat., May 24
Game 4 at 11:00 am: Winner Game 2 vs. Winner Game 3
This is a tough sectional simply because Plainfield Central is tough. Central has shortstop Stephanie Kirkpatrick, a Michigan recruit, who hits and plays like a Big Ten athlete. Benet lost 10-2 to Hinsdale South on April 17, so the Redwings know that getting out of the semifinals won't come easy. And even if they do, they've got the dreaded Plainfield Central waiting for them.
West Aurora Regional
Tue., May 20
Game 1 at 4:30 pm: (4) Naperville Central vs. (13) Plainfield North
Wed., May 21
Game 2 at 4:30 pm: (5) West Aurora vs. (12) Downers Grove North
Sat., May 24
Game 3 at 10:00 am: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2
If Central meets West Aurora in the regional title game, it will be the third time this season the two squads have met. That bodes well for both teams, but the Blackhawks had to replace six starting seniors this season. Central has their lineup in tact and continues to get better with every game. Not to mention, the Redhawks will be looking to prove their worth after rival Naperville North upset them in the semifinals last season.
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