Softball Sectional Preview: Marathon looks to continue march to state in sectional semifinal vs. Hurley on Tuesday

The Marathon softball team is two wins from earning a trip to the state tournament as sectional play begins on Tuesday. In Division 4, Marathon will be home vs. Hurley. Here is a preview of the matchup:

Division 4 Sectional Semifinal: Hurley (18-5 overall, 6-0 Northern Lights Conference) at Marathon (23-5 overall, 8-2 Marawood-South).

It's been a great season for the Red Raiders, who are returning to the sectional round for the first time in 4 years. Allison Podjaski has been outstanding in the circle, recording a 14-2 record with a 1.49 ERA and 161 strikeouts compared to just 16 walks. Podjaski also is hitting .320 with 13 RBI. Marathon has a number of players who have had terrific offensive campaigns. Rehgan Martin is hitting .451 with 4 home runs and 35 RBI while Mylee Haehlke also has 4 home runs with 26 RBI and is hitting .320. Danica Staus is hitting .380 with 21 RBI, Paige Brickner a .436 average and Mayven Schneider has a .368 batting average with 4 homers and 22 RBI. Ripley Skrzypchak is batting .368 with 21 RBI. Marathon has beaten Laona/Wabeno 14-0 and Edgar 8-1 to win their regional.

Hurley also has had a dominant pitcher to spark their season. Senior Olivia Digiorgio has a 17-5 record with a 2.29 ERA while striking out 206 batters in 122 1/3 innings pitcher with only 17 walks issued. Digiorgio also is a threat at the plate with a .435 average with 21 RBI. Freshman Piper Romosz is hitting .448 with 20 RBI, with another young player, sophomore Bella Derosso, hitting an even .500 with 19 RBI. 3rd seeded Hurley earned their sectional spot with a road win over 2nd seeded Phillips 7-3 on Thursday.

The winner of the Marathon-Hurley game will meet the winner of Tuesday's other sectional semifinal between Auburndale and Pacelli in the sectional championship game on Thursday.