Looking ahead: Week 1

It's opening day of the Major League Baseball season and the eve of the start of the 2008 varsity softball campaign. And as I sit here getting fired up for Johan Santana's regular-season debut for my New York Mets, let's take a look at some of the prime matchups for opening week of the softball season:



OPENING DAY, TUESDAY, APRIL 1

Hillsborough at Bridgewater-Raritan, 3:45 p.m.
Bridgewater-Raritan is in prime position to make a run at a conference title, but the Raiders and Megan McInaw are about as tough a draw as the Panthers can get on opening day.

Immaculata at Montgomery, 3:45 p.m.
Montgomery begins its Delaware East title defense against the reigning Somerset County champs with a full compliment of working catchers helmets in the Cougars' equipment bag.

Ridge at North Hunterdon, 3:45 p.m.
North wants to know what it's got after some key graduation losses. Ridge was also hit hard by graduation, and after being buried in the conference last season, the Red Devils are looking to see if they've got what it takes against one of the Delaware West's elite in their opener.

Monroe at South Plainfield, 4 p.m.
The Tigers were decimated by graduation, and will face the defending GMC White Division champs in their opener.



WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2

Immaculata at Westfield, 4 p.m.
The Spartans are ranked eighth in the Courier News Top 10. Westfield is ranked fifth. This is a good test for both teams.


THURSDAY, APRIL 3

Hunterdon Central at Immaculata, 3:45 p.m.
The top-ranked Red Devils' first game against real competition after facing Phillipsburg in their opener. The third straight elite opponent for Immaculata in the new season.

North Hunterdon at Hillsborough, 3:45 p.m.
A key crossover game in the Delaware Division, and a real momentum-grabber for the winner.

Oak Knoll at Governor Livingston, 4 p.m.
The Highlanders graduated seven of their nine starters, including All-State Player of the Year Capri Catalano. This will be G.L.'s first test against a team that doesn't play its home games in Newark and regularly ends up on the wrong end of the 10-run mercy rule.


FRIDAY, APRIL 4

Montgomery at Middlesex, 4 p.m.
The Blue Jays are looking to return to glory in the GMC and in Group I after a string of sectional titles and a state crown a few years ago. If Middlesex can handle one of Somerset County's elite, the Blue Jays might be onto something.

Mount St. Mary at Belvidere, 3:45 p.m.
The Mount Lions are one of several teams to be walloped by graduation. The County Seaters are the defending Valley Division champs, and while this would have been a walk for Mount St. Mary last season, it's the Mount Lions first test of any kind in 2008.


SATURDAY, APRIL 5

Immaculata at Rutgers Prep, 11 a.m.
A game I plan to attend, the Argonauts are looking to establish themselves among the contenders in Somerset County. The Spartans already holds that distinction. If Rutgers Prep can turn in a solid performance here -- win or lose -- people will be forced to stand up and take notice.