2A, 3A softball pairings released

After waiting an extra day, area Class 2A and 3A schools learned where they will be playing postseason softball this July.

Both area Class 2A teams (Highland and Columbus) find themselves in the same region this postseason, with Columbus taking on Louisa-Muscatine in their first game on July 6.

The Wildcats (4-12) met with L-M (19-5) earlier this season and played them tight, falling in a 5-4 game which saw Columbus score four runs in the final two innings.

The winner of that game awaits one of three teams, including Highland (12-6), who earned a first-round bye for their efforts this year.

The Huskies will play the winner of Pekin and Van Buren on July 6, and if they win, will face the L-M/Columbus winner in Letts on July 8.

?It?s a little disappointing (to not be at home), but I think this team might be OK to go on a trip and get away from here,? Highland softball head coach Carrie Wieland said. ?I?m OK with the pairings, and I think it?s set up pretty well. It?s too bad we have to play L-M again, but that?s alright. If we play like (we did on Thursday), we?ll be hard to beat.?

Highland defeated Columbus 3-0 earlier this year, but lost to Louisa-Muscatine 4-2 on Tuesday.

In Class 3A, Mid-Prairie (10-15) will be on the road to open their postseason, traveling to Albia on July 6.

A victory over the Albia would send the Golden Hawks to a second-round game against the winner of Davis County and Centerville.