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Here are the IHSAA softball sectional pairings for Southwest Indiana

Kyle Sokeland, Evansville Courier & Press
·4 min read

There were no egregious surprises in Southwestern Indiana when it came to the IHSAA softball sectional pairings.

The annual blind draw took place Sunday evening. From an observer’s standpoint, no major qualms this year. Sure, if you’re looking to nitpick, there might be a potential championship matchup or two in a semifinal. That’s almost best-case scenario when it comes to the draw, though.

The tournament runs May 22-27 with specific dates and times determined by each host school. Here are brief takeaways from each local sectional in the Courier & Press coverage area.

Only one possible first-round matchup would have elicited a shock in Class 4A at North. That would have been the host No. 14 Huskies (13-1) versus Castle (15-7). They’ve been the best teams in the field for weeks. There won’t be a postseason rematch until a hypothetical championship.

North's Hannah Wilke throws from her knees to try to get the Boonville batter out at Mike Wilson Field Tuesday evening, March 28, 2023.
North's Hannah Wilke throws from her knees to try to get the Boonville batter out at Mike Wilson Field Tuesday evening, March 28, 2023.

It’s not predetermined. Castle faces Central in the opening night with Harrison waiting in the semifinal. North must beat Reitz for a third time in the other semifinal. Crazy stuff always happens this week. But at least the ping pong balls offered a fairly even bracket this year.

The Class 3A sectional at Jasper shook out interestingly. The prize for No. 6 Pike Central winning in the first round? Defending sectional champ Heritage Hills in the semifinal. The latter recently took North Posey to eight innings and has pitching depth. The Jasper-Southridge-Vincennes Lincoln pod is also set up for rivalry storylines.

The draw in Sectional 32 also set up potential. Mount Vernon-Boonville in the first round could be good with No. 3 Gibson Southern (16-4) waiting. Memorial (6-9) was the beneficiary on the other side with a bye. The Tigers likely need to beat Princeton (7-8) to reach the championship.

Boonville's Kaleigh Fodge delivers a pitch to a North batter during their home opener at Mike Wilson Field Tuesday evening, March 28, 2023.
Boonville's Kaleigh Fodge delivers a pitch to a North batter during their home opener at Mike Wilson Field Tuesday evening, March 28, 2023.

No. 1 North Posey has a deserved bye in the Class 2A sectional at Forest Park. The Vikings (14-0) will be the overwhelming favorites in three weeks provided the roster stays healthy. What to watch will be the other side of the bracket with Mater Dei (5-11) or Tell City (8-7) looking to play spoiler.

There were no egregious surprises in Class A. No. 2 Barr-Reeve (12-2) is primed to be a tough postseason out with Murray State commit Karlye Graber in the circle. Sectional 63 is a sneaky good field though with North Daviess and Loogootee.

Defending state champion Tecumseh has a favorable path in Sectional 64. Northeast Dubois and Springs Valley are both on the opposite side of the bracket. The No. 3 Braves (9-8) have a misleading record due to a ridiculous schedule. Their offense is also stacked.

Top first-round matchups

Jasper vs Southridge: Two rivals on opening night? Yes, please. It's also possible for either team to make a run to the championship game with Pike Central and Heritage Hills on the other side of the bracket.

Mount Vernon vs Boonville: This is the most interesting matchup in the area from a competitive standpoint. The Wildcats have been building towards this year as a possible sectional contender. Boonville has talent throughout the roster. A title run from the Pioneers would also be quite the story.

Perry Central vs Mater Dei: The Wildcats are better than their record with a schedule featuring the SIAC and several top PAC teams. The Commodores are currently 9-6.

North Posey’s Addison Fullop (7) is thrown back the ball as the Vikings play the Mater Dei Wildcats at North Posey High School in Poseyville, Ind., Thursday afternoon, April 27, 2023.
North Posey’s Addison Fullop (7) is thrown back the ball as the Vikings play the Mater Dei Wildcats at North Posey High School in Poseyville, Ind., Thursday afternoon, April 27, 2023.

IHSAA SOFTBALL

Class 4A at North

Game 1: Central vs Castle

Game 2: North vs Reitz

Game 3: Harrison vs Game 1 winner

Game 4: Championship

Class 3A at Jasper

Game 1: Washington vs Pike Central

Game 2: Jasper vs Southridge

Game 3: Heritage Hills vs Game 1 winner

Game 4: Vincennes Lincoln vs Game 2 winner

Game 5: Championship

Class 3A at Gibson Southern

Game 1: Princeton vs Bosse

Game 2: Mount Vernon vs Boonville

Game 3: Memorial vs Game 1 winner

Game 4: Gibson Southern vs Game 2 winner

Game 5: Championship

Class 2A at Linton-Stockton

Game 1: Mitchell vs Linton-Stockton

Game 2: Sullivan vs Sullivan

Game 3: North Knox vs Game 1 winner

Game 4: Eastern Greene vs Game 2 winner

Game 5: Championship

Class 2A at Forest Park

Game 1: Forest Park vs South Spencer

Game 2: Perry Central vs Mater Dei

Game 3: North Posey vs Game 1 winner

Game 4: Tell City vs Game 2 winner

Game 5: Championship

Class A at Loogootee

Game 1: Orleans vs Barr-Reeve

Game 2: Loogootee vs North Daviess

Game 3: Championship

Class A at Wood Memorial

Game 1: Northeast Dubois vs Cannelton

Game 2: Wood Memorial vs Tecumseh

Game 3: Springs Valley vs Game 1 winner

Game 4: Championship

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: IHSAA softball sectional pairings Evansville