Regional softball preview

And then, there were two.

Mid-Prairie and Highland softball were the only two area teams to escape the first two rounds of regional play, and now, things get tough for the two powerhouses.

No. 12 ranked Mid-Prairie will travel to Solon to take on the No. 1 ranked Spartans at 7 p.m., in Class 3A action tonight, while No. 3 ranked Highland will face No. 10 ranked Durant in Riverside.

Both the Hawks and the Huskies are looking to make repeat trips to the state tournament, and for Mid-Prairie another trip would make it six straight.

The Hawks had a similar path to the state tournament last year, having to get through No. 1 ranked Benton to make it to the tournament.

Now, with Solon in their way for a regional semifinal, and a more experienced team, the Hawks are hoping they can make lightning strike twice.

The Huskies are looking for their second-straight state berth, and while hosting Durant will try to keep their offensive momentum from a 13-2 victory over North Cedar going on Friday night.

A victory for either of these teams will put them in the regional final, just one win from state.

Check out @AaronViner on Twitter for results as they become final, and Monday?s issue of The Journal for the reaction from coaches and players as they talk about the season ending, or being able to play one more game.