State softball scouting report
Who: North Canton Hoover (28-3) vs. Medina (24-4).
What: Division I state semifinal.
When: 3 p.m. today.
Where: Firestone Stadium, Akron.
Notebook: Hoover and Medina meet in the 35th year of the state tournament. Hoover ended the regular season the No. 1-ranked team in the state poll and is the defending Division I state champion under coach Jerry Goodpasture. The Vikings are seeking their sixth state title (2011, 2008, 2006, 1999 and 1998). The Vikings, led by senior Erika Warren and sophomore Jenna Lilley, scored 10 or more runs in 18 games this season. The fifth-ranked Bees are a first-time state qualifier and feature senior Bobbi Langlois and sophomore Vanessa Scoarste. Medina alumna Jessica Toocheck is the Bees’ coach. The other Division I state semifinal pits No. 3 Elyria (26-2) against No. 2 Lebanon (30-1) at 5:30 p.m. today. The state final is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday.
— Michael Beaven
