Don’t you just love the rain.

I mean, apart from keeping us all alive, it also resulted in a massive fixture logjam resulting in seven soccer sectional games being played at three different venues Monday night.

At Jeffersonville, you had the boys’ sectional final between the host and Providence, while Prosser Field, home of New Albany, was the venue for the rescheduled Floyd Central boys’ sectional, with three games on the slate.

Thirdly, the much anticipated nine-team girls’ sectional championship kicked off at Floyd Central.

First up was the host, opening its account in quest of a fourth successive crown against North Harrison. That was followed by two quarter-final matchups featuring Charlestown/Silver Creek, and Corydon/Christian Academy of Indiana.

Gayle, my trusty crystal ball, has been in overdrive, with puffs of smoke appearing out the back. I dare ask her about boys’ regionals, which take place at Floyd Central tomorrow and Saturday, where the lineups haven’t yet been completed.

However, for more on those, and updates on all the soccer action throughout the week, check out my blog at www.soccerindiana.blogspot.com.



Floyd Central Girls’ Sectional

Quarterfinals

New Albany vs. Providence (Tuesday, 6 p.m.)

New Albany (12-2-1) has gained the mental edge recently over rival Providence thanks to its 5-3 win this regular season, and its 4-1 sectional triumph a year ago. However, it would be dangerous for Julie Deuser’s charges to assume they can show up here and just chalk up the result. The Pioneers, after all, are 8-4-2, beating Floyd Central along the way, and you can be guaranteed Dave Smith will have his girls ready for this one.

Verdict: New Albany.



Jeffersonville vs. Floyd Central (Tuesday, 8 p.m.)

The Highlanders played the opening game of the sectional series last night, beating North Harrison, but should have enough in reserve to beat what is an improving Jeffersonville team. The Lady Red Devils lost 5-2 to Floyd Central during regular season, taking the lead in that game, so this should be a lot closer than last year’s 7-0 sectional scoreline. That being said, it’s hard to see anything other than a Highlander win.

Verdict: Floyd Central.



Semifinals

Silver Creek vs. Corydon Central (Thursday, 6 p.m.)

With all the fancied teams drawn in the opposite end of the draw, the way has been paved for one of the area’s lesser lights to make the final. Corydon’s Panthers had a slight 2-1 edge against the Dragons in the Mid-Southern championship, and its 4-0 and 2-0 wins against Charlestown and North Harrison respectively suggest they might be favored.

Verdict: Corydon.



New Albany vs. Floyd Central (Thursday, 8 p.m.)

Whoever makes it to this particular matchup will be playing in the de facto championship game.

Last year, we predicted that Floyd Central would be too strong for its rivals and take a third sectional championship on the trot, which it duly did in impressive fashion. So can they make it four in succession, and nine in total?

The Highlanders’ strength in recent years has been its ability to peak at the right time. It has the most difficult schedule of all the schools in the area, and no doubt benefits from that when it comes time to play for hardware.

However, I can’t help feeling they are vulnerable this year. If ever there was a time for the improving Bulldogs to claim its first-ever IHSAA sectional championship, this is it.

Despite a defense as good as any in the area, thanks to players such as Brigid Morrissey, Emily Foster, Loryn Queen and Christine Clark — not to mention keeper Nikki Roberts -— Floyd Central does not look as strong going forward, even with the shooting comet that is Lauren Haley.

No coincidence, as they are now missing Nikki Korte in midfield, and the goalscoring duo of Kelsey Traughber and April Vanderplow.

In the regular season game between these two, won by the Highlanders 1-0, Morrissey pulled off a successful man-marking job on New Albany’s star striker, Kaitlin Robinett. Whether the Bulldogs can exploit such a maneuver should it be applied again (using the likes of lightning fast Kamaren Cole, or sister Kayton), is probably going to decide who wins or loses this possible matchup.

Verdict: New Albany.



Championship – Corydon vs. New Albany (Saturday, 7 p.m.)

When Corydon played New Albany in regular season, the game finished 15-1 for the Bulldogs. So if the Panthers do make the final from their half of the draw, you can see what they would be up against, no matter which of the ‘big three’ they play.

Verdict: New Albany.