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The Maine high school spring sports season reaches its conclusion with two days of excitement, as 14 state champions will be crowned Friday and Saturday. Some teams are hoping to win their first state title, while others are trying to repeat, and a few are seeking revenge after losing to the same foes in last year’s state finals.

We asked Varsity Maine reporters for something important to know about each state championship game matchup. Here’s what they had to say about Saturday’s softball finals.

Class A: Cheverus (19-0) vs. Hampden Academy (13-6)

Can Hampden Academy’s Cat Facchini quiet the Cheverus lineup? With Addison DeRoche pitching, there’s no path to beating Cheverus with multiple runs allowed. The Broncos’ best hope is eking out a 1-0 or maybe a 2-1 win, which would require Facchini to shut down DeRoche, Hailey Lamontagne, Cameron Gagnon and the rest of a Stags offense that boasts nine good hitters. Facchini pitched a three-hit shutout in the regional final against Lewiston, and she’ll need an encore Saturday.

Class B: Medomak Valley (18-1) vs. Gardiner (16-3)

Will this game be another scoring fiesta between Gardiner and Medomak Valley? The Tigers edged the Panthers 17-16 in their lone matchup on May 18, but that game accounts for 17 of the 29 runs Medomak Valley has allowed this season. Offense has been the calling card for Gardiner. Meanwhile, the defending champion Panthers and ace pitcher Sidney Nicholls have 14 shutouts and have yet to allow a run in the postseason.

Class C: Dirigo (18-1) vs. Bucksport (18-1)

Some Dirigo players who graduated last year are expected to be on hand Saturday to witness what they hope will be the culmination of several seasons of incremental improvement by the program. While the Cougars are seeking their first state title, in their second appearance in a final, Bucksport is playing in its fourth straight final and trying to win its second straight championship, and 10th overall.

Class D: North Yarmouth Academy (17-1) vs. Penobscot Valley (17-0)

This is a showdown between two teams with championship pedigrees and dominant pitchers. Penobscot Valley, led by Miss Maine Softball finalist Lauren Veino (27 Ks, 12 BBs in the D North tournament), is seeking its first title since 2019. But with three straight finals appearances, and a few players going for a school-year title sweep (soccer, basketball, softball), the Howlers have plenty of big-game experience. NYA, meanwhile, is looking for its third state title in four years. With sophomore Lily Fortin (36 Ks, 8 BBs in D South tournament) in the circle, the Panthers have posted nine shutouts, and the offense has been so prolific that she’s rarely needed to pitch the full seven innings.