Softball State Semifinal Preview.

Written Tuesday June 11th at 5:50 PM

Here is my insight and prediction heading into the Division One State Semifinal matchup between Clarkston and Howell.

CLARKSTON vs Howell @ Michigan State (APPROX 5:30 PM)

This should be an interesting Division One semifinal between the Wolves and the Highlanders at Michigan State on Thursday. Clarkston who is in the semifinal for the second time in three years used a six run sixth inning against Hartland to beat the Eagles 11-3 on Tuesday at Novi. Howell who were in the State semifinals last season had no problem with Plymouth Canton beating them 9-1 at Chelsea on Tuesday. The Highlanders had to survive against Richland Gull Lake in the regional semifinal last weekend at home in a pitchers duel 1-0. Howell features starting pitcher and Notre Dame commit Molly Carney. Carney was rated Michigan’s top softball player during the preseason and has lived up to that billing. Both teams have been here as mentioned, they both can hit, and have solid pitching staffs with Carney for the Highlanders and Olivia Warrington for the Wolves. Clarkston we know real well what they have. Weather is expected to be a big time factor in this game with the forecast calling for rain and possible 40 mph wind gusts from the northwest. The winner plays either Warren Regina or Bay City Western on Saturday in the Division One State Finals. This game should be close and there will be plenty of Division One recruits playing but I think the Wolves have just enough to pull this one out. PICK: CLARKSTON.