Two programs making first appearances in the NYSPHSAA semifinals will meet on Friday. Haverling and Highland (IX) will battle to send a team to the NYS Class B finals. Here’s the breakdown:
CLASS B
HAVERLING RAMS (22-1 / Livingston County I)
vs.
HIGHLAND HUSKIES (16-5 / IX/ Mid-Hudson Athletic)
Friday, Green Light Networks Grand Slam Park, 5:30 p.m.
How they arrived here: Haverling opened the postseason with a win over Penn Yan before Livonia and Waterloo to claim the Section V Class B1 championship. The Rams then defeated Wellsville (4-2) in the state qualifier, Fredonia (2-1) in the sub-regional and Susquehanna Valley (3-1) to advance to the NYS Class B semifinals. Highland opened sectionals with a win over Chester (5-0) and then beat Sullivan West (11-1) to claim the Section IX championship. The Huskies then topped Solvay (10-1) and Hastings (17-2) to join the Rams in the semifinals.
Tempo and trends: Haverling averages 7.9 runs per game and allows 1.35 runs per game on defense. Highland averages 9.6 runs per game on offense while allowing 2.5 runs per game on defense. The Rams enter with a 15-game winning streak while the Huskies have won 10 of their last 11 games.
Players to watch for Haverling: Lola Coots Sr. SS; Ryleigh Laverty Sr. UTL; Kas Plewa Jr. 2B; Kaili Witherell Sr. P; Makayla Smith So. 1B; Caydence Spears Sr. C; Abbie Whaley Fr. CF.
Players to watch for Highland: Violet Brienza; Gianna Jones; Alexa Pavese Sr. P; Delaney Reid; Sierra Spinelli; Ciara Teamer.
Coaches: Rachel Ratchford (Haverling), Kathelene Canosa (Highland).
History 101: Haverling softball is making its first NYS semifinal appearance in program history. Highland, which lost in the state qualifier last year, is making its first trip to the Final Four in program history.
What’s at stake: A spot in the NYS Class B finals against the winner of Chatham (2) and Carle Place (VIII).
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