LVC Softball Tournament history; tonight's LVC semifinal predictions

http://blogs.mcall.com/groller/

FROM KEITH GROLLER

An 11th LVC softball champion will be crowned Thursday night at Pates Park. Here's a look back at the past championship games.

2003: Nazareth 6, Parkland 4

2004: Parkland 9, Liberty 1

2005: Parkland 4, Easton

2006: Easton 5, Parkland 1

2007: Northampton 4, Emmaus 0

2008: Parkland 7, Nazareth 3

Tournament concept began in 2009:

2009: Semifinals, Parkland 2, Allen 0; Northampton 2, Becahi 1. Championship, Parkland 3, Northampton 2.

2010: Semifinals, Nazareth 6, Emmaus 4; Liberty 9, Easton 0. Championship, Nazareth 4, Liberty 3

2011: Semifinals, Liberty 7, Emmaus 1; Becahi 4, Northampton 1. Championship: Becahi 10, Liberty 1.

2012: Semifinals, Liberty 1, Emmaus 0; Becahi 5, Parkland 1. Championship: Becahi 8, Liberty 6.

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME/OVERALL TOURNEY RECORD

Parkland 4-2/5-3

Becahi 2-0/4-1

Nazareth 2-1/3-1

Easton 1-1/1-2

Northampton 1-1/1-3

Emmaus 0-1/0-4

Liberty 0-4/3-4

Allen 0-1

TONIGHT'S PREDICTIONS

Northampton 2, Emmaus 1 -- The Green Hornets have an advantage playing on their home field. Playing at Pates Park is different than playing at any other place and Emmaus having played there many times this season gives them a big plus. Another thing that could hurt Northampton is the cold weather. Ace pitcher Marly Laubach is a warm-weather pitcher and it's going to be cold at 7 o'clock tonight. At least for mid-May. So, Emmaus might be able to catch Laubach not at her best. It may take her awhile to get comfortable. Yet, Northampton has been able to rise to the occasion almost all spring. They know that their 19-1 record means nothing without a title and they are determined to go out and get one.

Becahi 7 Freedom 3 -- Nora Borger has done a fantastic job in her first year in charge of the Patriots. However, experience is so important at this time of year and the Golden Hawks are loaded with seniors who know what this time of year is all about. To have a chance at an upset, Emily Gundrum has had back pain recently and may not be totally healthy. If so, Freedom is in trouble. Becahi's Joelle Morey will likely not be perfect. She has said it takes her a few innings, sometimes, to get comfortable. Ultimately, though, the Golden Hawks will find a way to earn a shot at their third straight league championship.