High School softball has always been a stronghold in the Mahoning Valley but its upped its game this season.

Five area teams, Austintown Fitch, Canfield, Champion, South Range & Mathews have reached the regional finals.  That's the most in area history.

In a rematch from last season, one team will be eliminated, either South Range or Champion as they play each other.  In 2023, the Raiders won 8-4.

The Falcons are the defending Division I State Champions and Canfield runner up in Division II.

Champion has nine softball state championships, the most of any program in Mahoning, Trumbull or Columbiana counties.

The area has a chance to send one team in each of the four divisions to the state final four.

Here's Friday's schedule:

DIVISION I

Austintown Fitch vs Walsh Jesuit      @YSU                                       5:00

 

DIVISION II

Canfield vs Medina Buckeye           @Nordonia HS                          1:00

 

DIVISION III

South Range vs Champion            @Avon High School                  5:00

 

DIVISION IV

Mathews vs Canton Central Catholic  @North Ridgeville High School   5:00