Softball district final capsules

(7) MIDVIEW VS. (3) BEREA-MIDPARK

What: Division I Berea District final

Where: Roehm Athletic Complex, 7220 Pleasant Street

When: 5 p.m., May 17

Records: Midview 16-9, Berea-Midpark 19-4

Midview’s path: Def. Wadsworth, 9-3 and Brunswick, 11-9

Berea-Midpark’s path: Def. Barberton,10-0and Medina Highland, 2-1

Up next: Winner advances to the Youngstown Regional semifinal to play the Northeast 2District champion at Youngstown State.

Outlook: Two Southwestern Conference opponents square off the third time this season, this one for all the marbles. Berea-Midpark, the SWC co-champs, won, 4-1 and, 9-1, the second time around. Berea-Midpark is led by Mal Herwerden, who is its ace inside the circle and an Akron recruit. Leadoff hitter Sam Peterkoski has incredible speed to get on base. The key will be for Midview’s fielding to match the Titans’ speed and chaining hits together. Midview committed a total of 11 errors in its games against Berea-Midpark. Midview pitcher Jasmine Willis comes into the game with a 2.385ERA and 143 strikeouts. The Middies have grown a lot over the course of the season, which was signified by their revenge win over Brunswick. A win over Berea-Midpark would be a huge upset.

Perez’s pick: Berea-Midpark

(2) NORTH RIDGEVILLE VS. (5) AVON

What: Division I North Ridgeville District final

Where: North Ridgeville

When: 5 p.m., May 17

Records: North Ridgeville 16-3, Avon 15-12

North Ridgeville’s path: Def. Parma, 10-0 and Wooster, 13-3

Avon’s path: Def. Olmsted Falls, 13-3 and Normandy, 9-1

Up next: Winner advances to the Division I Clyde Regional semifinal to play the Northwest District 1 Champion at Clyde.

Outlook: The more things change, the more things stay the same. North Ridgeville and Avon has plenty of new faces, compared to the 2022 Division I Gibsonburg Regional semifinal showdown, but both managed to dominate to set up a collision course for a spot in the sweet 16. North Ridgeville swept Avon, 2-0 and 3-0, in the regular season. However, last year proved that Avon can flip the switch in the postseason to the detriment of North Ridgeville. Rangers pitcher Autumn Behlke did not throw against the Eagles in last year’s regional semifinal and they’ve shut down Avon to total five combined hits in both matchups. Behlke combined for 24 strikeouts.

Perez’s pick: North Ridgeville