Softball: region semifinals

By BOB PUTNAM
Published April 28, 2006

CLASS 6A:

COUNTRYSIDE (19-8) AT MELBOURNE EAU GALLIE (25-3), 7 p.m.: The Cougars have made a habit of knocking off top-ranked teams, beating Sickles in the district final and Durant in the region quarterfinals. Today's game might be the toughest. Eau Gallie returns most of its lineup from last year's team that lost to Palm Harbor U. in the state final. Countryside is capable of pulling off another upset thanks to an offense that has scored 24 runs in its past three games.

ST. PETERSBURG CATHOLIC (20-4) AT LAKELAND MCKEEL (21-7), 4:30: The Barons are attempting to make their first region final, where they could meet district rival Academy of the Holy Names. To do that, SPC has to get past McKeel, the defending Class 2A champ, which moved up a classification. The Barons have played tough competition and pitcher Deanna Henriott can keep them in any game.

CLASS A

CANTERBURY (20-0) AT CAMBRIDGE (19-4), 4 p.m. at Lou Piniella Field: It has been a dream season for Canterbury, which is undefeated and in the playoffs for the first time. Much of the success is due to a heavy-hitting offense that has scored at least 10 runs in every game. Hits and runs will be harder to get against the Lancers, who are the defending state champions.

[Last modified April 28, 2006, 02:26:33]