What: Division IV regional semifinal
When: 7 p.m., Oct. 29
Where: Tallmadge, 140 North Munroe Road
Records: Wickliffe 15-2-2, Poland Seminary 14-3-2
What’s next: The winner advances to a regional final at noon Nov. 2 against Chagrin Falls or West Branch at Byers Field in Parma.
What to look for: The proverbial glass ceiling has finally been shattered for Wickliffe, as it makes its first sweet-16 appearance in girls soccer in school history. The joy emanating from a 3-2 D-IV district final thriller against Perry couldn’t last long, with just two days between that and pivoting into the Blue Devils’ next step on the postseason road. The bulk of Wickliffe’s end product comes from its outstanding striker pairing of Ava Gabriel (16 goals, four assists) and Tiana Torrence (14-6). Gabriel’s power and Torrence’s pace gives opposing sides a unique tactical look, and they can play off one another, which is what makes the pairing even more dangerous. Izzy DeFrank (9-5) and Leah Skufca (8-7) can also contribute end product and good service from the middle of the park, along with Abigail Lait (5-3). In the defensive third, the Blue Devils are steady and smart led by center back Maddie Kita and goalkeeper Cade Virgilio. Wickliffe has conceded 10 goals and recorded 13 clean sheets in 19 matches. When needed, Virgilio is capable of being a top-notch shot-stopper, the type that can keep the side in matches. Poland has plenty of finishers in its 11, including Ava Blinsky (16-10), Sophia Generalovich (17-6), Elliana Thompson (14-2) and Addie Demain (11-2). The Bulldogs are obviously a very good side. But as is occasionally the case with Youngstown-area sides, though, there is a challenge in gauging them because they play in a conference with a home-and-home format. In turn, Poland has a plus-68 goal differential. The Bulldogs edged Firelands, 3-2, in a district final and did draw fellow regional side West Branch, 1-1, in the regular season. None of this is to imply an easy path for Wickliffe, of course — this will be a tall order. With so many options for Poland, the Blue Devils have to control this match in midfield and get Gabriel and Torrence untracked on off-ball movement. If so, a result is achievable here.