The Louisville High School softball team is set to return to the OHSAA state tournament for the first time since 2019 on Friday, June 5. The Leopards won a state championship that year and will be hoping for a replay of that outcome this season.
Standing in the way of that dream for Louisville (17-13) will be Mansfield Madison Comprehensive (16-13) in the state semifinals. The Leopards and the Rams play at 10 a.m. Friday at Firestone Stadium in Akron. The winner of that game will return for the state championship game on Friday at 8 p.m.
Below is a list of five things to watch for the state semifinals.
Watch Ohio High School Sports Live on NFHS Network all year
Louisville vs. Madison softball | 5 things to watch
Can Madison hit Louisville’s Katelynn Miller?
Miller has been on a serious roll during the postseason. She has allowed only two runs over her last four games and is coming off of a five-hit shutout against a potent Hoban offense in the regional championship game. Miller is 13-6 overall this season with a 1.90 ERA. She has also struck out 181 batters in 127.2 innings pitched. She is backed by a defense that has been nearly flawless as of late. If that continues, it will make life very difficult for the Rams.
Can the Rams slow the Leopard offense?
Top to bottom, the Louisville offense can create problems for the opposition. Its leaders include Miller (.326 average), Kaitlin Twinem (.303, 5 home runs), Addy Campbell (5 doubles, 4 HR), Bailee Griffith (3 2B, 3 HR), Leah Claugus (10 2B, 4 HR) and Shaelyn O’Neill (.319). There are no obvious weaknesses in the Leopard lineup so opposing pitchers can find themselves in trouble quickly if they have an off inning. Once the Leopard offense gets rolling, watch out. Keeping runners off base will be key for Madison.
Will Louisville and Madison be ready for the big stage of Firestone Stadium?
It has been seven years since Louisville played in a state tournament, so this is a new experience for this group of Leopards. It’s been a far longer wait for Madison. It dates back to the Bill Clinton administration when the games were played much closer to Mansfield. The Rams last reached the state tournament in 1995 where the games were played at Ashland’s Brookside Park.
Can Louisville produce runs against Madison pitcher Caliyah Clapper?
Sophomore pitcher Caliyah Clapper is one of the best in the state. She was an impact player from the start as a freshman and set a school record with 17 strikeouts in a game early in her high school career in 2025. Offseason hip surgery has been unable to slow her down in 2026. Clapper has allowed only one run in her last two games. Clapper is no slouch with the bat, either. She set a program record for home runs in a season with eight and counting this season.
Can Louisville contain Madison leadoff hitter Izzy Wamsley?
Wamsley is a menace to opposing teams, hitting over .300 with more than 30 runs and is a nightmare to deal with on the base paths. She is primarily a bunt and slap hitter who will test the Louisville defense. Wamsley will play shortstop or second base depending on the opponent and is a solid defender at both positions. Wamsley can make the spectacular look routine and has been reliable for the Rams during the tournament.
Reach Cliff at cliff.hickman@cantonrep.com
On X: @chickmanREP
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Five things to watch as Louisville softball plays in state semifinals
Reporting by Cliff Hickman, Canton Repository / The Repository
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Cliff Hickman, Canton Repository | USA TODAY Network
