Matches of the week

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Three days of softball showdowns

Wednesday brings a trio of notable non-conference softball matchups with unbeaten rivals West Johnston and Cleveland meeting at 6 p.m. The Rams, who are coming off of a win over defending 3A C.B. Aycock, match up against a West club that returns the bulk of its lineup from that made it to the third round of the 4A playoffs last season.

Speaking of Aycock, North Johnston heads to Pikeville for its second meeting with the 2012 state 3A champions at 6 on Wednesday as well. The Panthers are looking for their fourth win of the season over a defending state champion.

Also on Wednesday, in Garner, 2012 state 4A finalist Holly Springs comes into visit the Trojans, who were unbeaten entering this week.

Thursday’s schedule features a meeting between South Johnston and Clayton.

The week wraps up with South visiting Cleveland where the Rams will be looking for their first win over South Johnston in school history.

Local ECC rivals face off

South Johnston visits Cleveland for a baseball battle between two of the early-season Eastern Carolina 3A Conference leaders. South brought an unbeaten record in the league into this week and was 7-1 overall.

The Trojans also visit non-conference rival Clayton on Thursday.

Big Monday in soccer

Rivals Smithfield-Selma and Clayton meet in C-Town on Monday as part of a four-game Greater Neuse River 4A Conference slate. Defending league champion West Johnston visits Harnett Central and Garner hosts Knightdale as well.

West, Garner nines square off

West Johnston and Garner will meet on Tuesday, March 26, in two very big Greater Neuse River 4A Conference battles in baseball and softball.

West is the defending baseball champion, but the Trojans won six of their first eight tilts this season.

Garner is the defending softball champ and already has a win over Clayton on the season. Both West and Garner returned the bulk of their lineups from last season, including pitchers Lauren Marbrey (Garner) and Christina Gower (West).

Coach speak

John Wood

Cleveland softball coach

“This week is gonna be rough. Triton, West, and South. This win definitely gives us some much needed confidence to carry us through this upcoming stretch.”