Getting you ready for regional finals

The Kirtland boys and girls soccer teams play for spots in a state semifinal Nov. 3, as do the Lake Catholic girls. In volleyball, the Cougars play Gilmour in a regional final.

WHAT >> Division III regional final WHEN >> 3 p.m., Nov. 3 WHERE >> Streetsboro, 8585 Ohio Route 14 RECORDS >> Kirtland 16-1-3, Campbell Memorial 17-3 WHAT’S NEXT >> The winner advances to a state semifinal at 7 p.m. Nov. 7 against Independence or Archbold at a site to be determined. WHAT TO LOOK FOR >> Kirtland is the lone area boys side remaining in the postseason after its thrilling 3-2 extra-time win over Kidron Central Christian . ... The Hornets’ match-winner from Marko Cubela (11 goals, three assists) off a cross from Mario Rodin (9-6) was indicative of what makes this side dangerous in a couple facets . ... It was a great example of value on a set piece, with a deep throw-in played into the box, a touch immediately back out wide for the cross far post to Cubela. Kirtland is a side that maximizes those moments well and always has under Coach John Valentic . ... The other facet that’s important is how many different players for the Hornets can step up and score big goals. Eight players in the side have scored at least five goals. So the impetus doesn’t have to be squarely on leading scorer Jeremy Lunka (22-10), although the senior striker is adept at drawing attention and keeping others incorporated . ... In another remarkable statistic for Kirtland in the defensive third, that regional semifinal marked just the second time all year the Hornets have yielded more than one goal in a match. The other was against fellow D-III elite-eight side Independence in its lone loss, 2-0 on Sept. 18 . ... That backline is organized, keeps its shape and doesn’t concede anything silly. That’s pretty much what you need this time of year . ... Campbell Memorial, from east of Youngstown near the Pennsylvania border, avenged its lone defeat against a D-III side this fall with a 2-1 district final win over Columbiana Crestview, then hammered Mineral Ridge, 7-2, in a regional semifinal . ... The Red Devils have scored 117 goals this fall, but it should be noted that output includes six matches with at least 10 goals, including an 18-0 regular-season win . ... Campbell Memorial is not lacking in offensive-third quality – Henry Mejia (33-17), Victor Orozco (21-8), Gio Lisi (15-14) and Kevin Cisneros (11-11) are among the most potent options . ... Both sides are eyeing their first state final four berth in boys soccer in school history. ... Kirtland should be served well by its 2016 elite-eight run, a side on which Ante Bevanda (6-8) and Lunka, among others, logged time. ... Against a side that can clearly find the back of the net, the importance of the holding midfielder role for the Hornets cannot be understated. To set tone, initiate the attack and thwart Campbell Memorial’s combination play and flow, the holding mid will be a big deal in this match.