DIVISION I
#3 North Canton Hoover will take battle against #2 Grove City. This game is very intriguing for the softball savants. Will Grove City be able to handle Jessica Simpson?Some may believe Grove City is the underdog, especially with the senior laden Hoover Vikings. Hoover seniors Jessica Simpson, Megan Lilley, Sarah Gerber, McKenna Russ and Felicia Houtz have all accepted Division I scholarships early, and classmate Erin Riccardi signed with John Carroll during the season. Quite frankly, North Canton Hoover is LOADED. They are looking to hoist the hardware that was ripped from them one season ago. Hoover was nationally ranked in the top 25 teams in America one season ago, before they ran into eventual state champion Hudson who literally shell-shocked the softball world with a stunning victory over Hoover in the regional finals. Grove City hopes to play spoiler this year for the star-studded Vikings. First Team All-State player Paige Myers hopes to continue her success on the mound just as she did against a pesky Lebanon team. Grove City will present a great line up of hitters as well including Erin Galloway, Paige Myers, Katie Yoho and Courtney Coleman. The other D1 semi-final will pair #1 Elyria vs Mason. Mason is making it's 2nd trip to state in as many years. Mason has taken some lumps this season but a strong schedule and a lofty throwing arm by Christin Miller and honorable mention all-state player DJ Engelman hope to derail the state's #1 team. Mason who is traditionally known as an athletic powerhouse has now placed it's stamp on the softball world. Usually, you can't bet against the Comets, but there is one team who may be very difficult to defeat---Elyria. Afterall, Elyria did defeat Mason 2-1 last year in the state semi-final. Junior Tess Sito leads the #1 Pioneers back to the state tournament for the 3rd straight season, 6th overall. Elyria does hail from the coveted Lorain County, and are looking to take their 2nd overall state title (2002).
North Canton Hoover:4 State Appearances (98, 99, 06, 08)
Mason:2 State Appearances (07, 08)
Grove City:5 State Appearances (83, 84, 89, 98, 08)
Elyria:6 State Appearances (94, 00, 02, 06, 07, 08)
All-State Players to Watch:1st Team Paige Myers--Grove City1st Team Tess Sito--Elyria1st Team Jessica Simpson--HooverHonorable Mention Megan Bashak--ElyriaHonorable Mention Felicia Houtz--HooverHonorable Mention Sarah Gerber--HooverHonorable Mention DJ Englenman--Mason
Predictions: North Canton Hoover over Grove City /Elyria over Mason
State Champs: North Canton Hoover
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