Kirtland vs. Doylestown Chippewa

WHAT >> Division III regional final WHEN >> Noon, Nov. 3 WHERE >> Streetsboro, 8585 Ohio Route 14 RECORDS >> Kirtland 18-2, Doylestown Chippewa 18-1-1 WHAT’S NEXT >> The winner advances to a state semifinal at 7 p.m. Nov. 6 against Liberty-Benton or Archbold at a site to be determined. WHAT TO LOOK FOR >> It’s probably understating it a little to say Kirtland handled its business in the sweet 16, pummeling South Range, 9-0. It was thorough, with six players scoring for the Hornets, and also had the benefit of giving the starting 11 a good chunk of the second half on the bench . ... The keys to success in the attack can pretty much be memorized at this point. Erika Zschuppe (33 goals, four assists) is one of Ohio’s best strikers already as a freshman. Maya Zovko (8-23) is a skilled playmaker with impeccable field vision and sense for offball runs by her teammates. Lidia Rodin (9-14) might be this area’s most versatile performer, able to log time and look comfortable doing it as a central midfielder, stopper, striker, outside midfielder — pretty much anywhere she’s needed . ... One underrated aspect to the Hornets’ attacking success has been the development of sophomores Leah LaVerde (25) and Mia Rini (5-2). Purely on workrate, Rini can cause problems for a backline and free up spacing for her side in the process when called upon by Coach Ed Bradac . ... The one area that was, and has been a bit of a concern, has been set-piece defending. Provided the Hornets have that stabilized, especially marking on corners, that makes a dangerous side that much tougher to crack . ... Doylestown Chippewa has been a regular sight on the opposite touchline the last few years in big matches. The Chipps were defeated by Gilmour in a D-III state semifinal in 2016 and ended the Hornets’ first D-III state final four charge in 2015 . ... Chippewa’s lone loss came Aug. 28 to Chagrin Falls, 3-1. Knowing Bradac, chances are good he caught at least a portion of that match on the off-chance the Chipps might be a postseason foe . ... Chippewa has won 18 straight and yielded just seven goals all year, four since that setback to Chagrin . ... The Chipps return first-team DIII All-Ohio striker Bailey Clark, whose goal sent her side past Warren Champion, 1-0, in extra time in a regional semifinal.