It should be another highly competitive and exciting race in Region 3 softball this season, with at least three teams figuring to be District 10 Class AA title contenders.
Last year, Northwestern won the region title, and region runner-up Iroquois claimed the D-10 AA crown.
Villa Maria, last year’s third-place team, made an early season statement Monday with a 6-1 victory over Iroquois. Two of the region’s biggest stars showed off their talents, as reigning District 10 Player of the Year Becky Zill hit a first-inning home run off Villa ace Ali Grab. Grab recovered to shut out the Braves the rest of the way. She added a two-run homer.
Fort LeBoeuf also could make a playoff run, while teams such as Fairview, Seneca and North East hope to move up into the top half of the region.
The region’s next big matchup takes place Thursday when Iroquois faces Northwestern, which is led by ace Jenny Cox.
-- Jeff Kirik