Softball Regional Preview.

Written Wednesday June 4th, at 9:00 PM
 
The Softball Regional at Hartland (Livingston County) this weekend features two teams that are ranked in the State and one team getting an honorable mention in the State. Romeo is the defending regional champions after beating Troy in a dramatic game last season and is ranked number two, Lake Orion is number six in the state, and Troy is an honorable mention in the state. Fenton is the newcomer here to this regional and shocking both Hartland and Lakeland in the district final at Milford last week

Fenton vs. Romeo (10 AM): Fenton is the newcomers to the regional at Hartland. The Tigers shocked Hartland and beat Lakeland in the district finals 6-4 at Milford. Romeo is ranked number two in the state only lost two starters on a team that went to the state quarterfinals last season destroyed Rochester 7-0 in the district semifinals and Utica, the MAC White champions 6-0 in the district finals at Utica. The MAC Red champions are led by senior pitcher Hailey Zimmer. Zimmer is going to Central Michigan next season as a pitcher and is one of the top pitchers in the state. She also has a very good bat as well, batting over 420 this season. When you look at this match up, this match is such a mismatch for Fenton. Romeo has experience on its side, a strong offense, and also the state’s best pitcher.

PICK: ROMEO 7, FENTON 0.

Lake Orion vs. Troy (Approx 12 PM): This will be a rematch of Red powers that have played earlier in the season in which both games were won by the Dragons. Lake Orion whom is the Red Champions beat the KLAA North Champions, Waterford Kettering 12-1 and arch rival Clarkston 7-5 in the district semifinals and then beating Waterford Mott 8-1 in the district finals at Lake Orion. Troy beat arch rival Troy Athens 7-6 at Bloomfield Hills in the district finals to get back to the regional. The Colts and Dragons have high powered offenses that have created havoc this season. Troy is led by Sydney Heath who is going to Michigan State next season and is also deep as well. Lake Orion is led by Rachel Dolland and Kayla Knoblock and is also deep as well. In what is expected to be a shootout when it comes to runs. This game will be a shootout as both teams know each other well but in the end, the key is Sierra Gonzales and Lake Orion has her but Troy will be motivated for this game.

PICK: LAKE ORION 10, TROY 8.

Lake Orion vs. Romeo (30 Min after second game): This match is interesting but with the two state ranked teams. This could be the match up everyone in the state will be talking about if these two teams do meet in the regional finals. Lake Orion has a very good hitting team and also a very good pitcher in Sierra Gonzales. Romeo has Hailey Weaver whom is the state’s top pitcher who is going to Central Michigan next season. If Weaver struggles the Bulldogs are in big trouble and she could be in this match up. This game could be a shootout here, if it’s low scoring advantage Romeo, if it’s high scoring advantage Lake Orion. There is always a saying that good pitching beats good hitting but in this match up good hitting will beat good pitching here.

PICK: LAKE ORION 6, ROMEO 4.