Today's softball predictions and a look back at our District 11 4A champs losing streak in first round

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

FROM KEITH GROLLER

In the first round of the 2006 softball tournament, District 11 4A champ Nazareth pummeled Northeast from Philadelphia 18-0 in three innings. It was bad. Really bad. A joke.

Since then, nothing has come easy for our District 11 4A champs in the first round of the state tournament. They have lost seven straight.

Now, remember, Parkland won the 4A state title in 2009, but was not the district champ that year. As the No. 2 team in District 11, they got sent to King's College to play Hazleton and won. And then followed it up with three more wins.

But for our 4A champs playing these first-round games at Pates Park each year, it has been tough.

And that's why I believe that while Parkland has a great chance to beat Spring-Ford today in its first round game, we should take nothing for granted, especially against anyone from District 1.

Here's a look back at what our 4A champs have done since that Nazareth cakewalk.

2007 -- Hatboro 5, Emmaus 0

2008 -- Great Valley 4, Bangor 0

2009 -- Waynesboro 4, Whitehall 1

2010 -- Gov. Mifflin 4, Stroudsburg 0

2011 -- Neshaminy 12, Easton 0

2012 -- CB South 8, Liberty 1

2013 -- North Penn 1 , Northampton 0.

Now, in case you didn't see that very small print in today's Morning Call, here are my first-round predictions for today, and yes, I may be a little too optimistic:

CLASS 4A

PARKLAND VS. SPRING-FORD

Don't be fooled by Spring-Ford being a No. 4 seed. This is a quality program that has won a lot of games against tough opponents. Could be Parkland's biggest challenge of the season so far. Trojans 3-2.

Read more: http://www.mcall.com/sports/varsity/mc-piaa-softball-preview-0601-20140601,0,1370464.story?page=2#ixzz33U9wH3gh
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CLASS 3A  

BECAHI VS. LAMPETER-STRASBURG

Palmerton and Wilson are decent teams, but this is a big step up in class for the Golden Hawks. L-S has two quality pitchers and an experienced lineup. Golden Hawks must support Cuttic with good defense. Becahi 3-2

CLASS 2A

PEN ARGYL VS. ST. BASIL ACADEMY

This is a tough first-round game against a quality District One opponent. But Green Knights got the proverbial monkey off their backs by routing Catty for the district title and should have confidence. They also have state playoff experience, while SBA does not. Emily Smull, who has had a tremendous career, gets to shine one more time at Pates Park. Green Knights 6-3.