District 2 Softball Semifinal Predictions
By: Nate Johns | SportzWire | May 20, 2026 | Photo courtesy Madelyn Bevan
The first round of the District 2 Softball Playoffs has concluded, with the semifinal matchups now set. The quarterfinal round featured plenty of exciting games and set the stage for more. Here’s a look at how those matchups could play out, and a look at some potential district championship matchups.
Quarterfinal Predictions Record: 10-3
A: Forest City vs Holy Cross, Susquehanna vs Old Forge
These semifinals should be pretty cut and dry, considering Old Forge’s 14 are double what Forest City and Susquehanna managed this season combined. The Blue Devils won seven of nine to end the season including beating Mid Valley at home. The last time Holy Cross lost to a District 2 team was April 13.
Predictions: Holy Cross defeats Forest City, Old Forge defeats Susquehanna
AA: Holy Redeemer vs Dunmore, Elk Lake vs Montrose
All three top seeds advanced to join Montrose in the semifinals, with Elk Lake and Dunmore winning via the run rule.
Lady Bucks pitcher Paige Ancherani threw a perfect game in three innings against Mountain View, but will face a much tougher lineup in the Lady Royals. The key for Holy Redeemer will be to rely on the big game experience their difficult schedule gifted them. Dunmore also faced some tough teams in the Lackawanna League Division 2 and was competitive in several of those games, which gives them the edge over Holy Redeemer, who struggled in those moments.
Montrose beat Elk Lake twice in the regular season, 6-4 and 4-0. The Lady Warriors need to try and slow down the Montrose offense, led by MycKenna and Kyleise Kublo, who are both batting .500 or better on the season. Elk Lake will try to keep its offense hot after Celeste Clark hit an inside-the-park grand slam in the quarterfinals. Ultimately, Elk Lake has been in this spot before and has the big game experience in the playoffs, so I’ll forecast an upset.
Predictions: Dunmore defeats Holy Redeemer, Elk Lake defeats Montrose
AAA: Riverside vs Lake-Lehman, Carbondale vs Mid Valley
Riverside scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh to avoid the upset by Western Wayne and Carbondale took care of business vs Lakeland. Lake-Lehman went 18-2 and was undefeated against District 2 opponents this season. Mid Valley went 16-3 and all three losses came to teams I predict will be playing for district championships next week. These semifinals will likely be uncompetitive, with Mid Valley run ruling Carbondale 14-0 earlier this year and Lake-Lehman pitcher Hannah Chipego likely to set the WVC Softball strikeout record in this one.
Predictions: Lake-Lehman defeats Riverside, Mid Valley defeats Carbondale
AAAA: Dallas vs Tunkhannock, Wallenpaupack vs Valley View
Tunkhannock and Valley View both scored run-rule victories in their quarterfinal matchups. Dallas beat Wyoming Area 4-3 in comeback fashion on the road, while Wallenpaupack beat Berwick 4-1 at home.
Tunkhannock swept Dallas and Valley View swept Wallenpaupack in the regular season. The Tigers and Cougars both have an elite pitcher as well. Tunkhannock has Michaela Howell, who has 185 strikeouts as a freshman. Valley View has Abbi Call, a Clemson commit with 122 strikeouts this season. Both teams have been on a collision course since the preseason, and nothing can stop them.
Predictions: Tunkhannock defeats Dallas, Valley View defeats Wallenpaupack
AAAAA: Crestwood vs Abington Heights, Pittston Area vs North Pocono
Abington Heights and North Pocono also seem destined for a third meeting, but that is not quite as certain as I feel Valley View vs Tunkhannock is.
Abington Heights should make it. The Comets are 19-1 with possibly the best player in the district in Avary Brister, who’s batting .649 with eight home runs.
Pittston vs North Pocono should be a fun matchup.The Patriots nearly beat Valley View back in March and beat Shikellamy 10-0 in the quarterfinals. Unfortunately for them, North Pocono owns a win over Valley View at home and nearly beat Abington Heights in the regular season finale. A rematch of last year’s AAAAA District Championship is still on.
Predictions: Abington Heights defeats Crestwood, North Pocono defeats Pittston
AAAAAA: Wilkes-Barre Area vs Williamsport, Hazleton vs West Scranton
Wilkes-Barre Area pulled off a thrilling road win over Scranton, eliminating the Lady Knights for the second straight season. Now the Wolfpack get to face the team that eliminated them in the district championship last year and in the playoffs each of the last three seasons. Williamsport is 16-3 but 0-2 against District 2 opponents. Expect the Millionaires to break that streak and make the championship.
West Scranton and Hazleton met in Hazleton on March 25, with the Lady Invaders winning 13-3. West Scranton has struggled against the better teams on its schedule, but handled business against the teams they should. I expect them to handle business against the Lady Cougars.
Predictions: Williamsport defeats Wilkes-Barre Area, West Scranton defeats Hazleton
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