Games of the Week: Big Monday

As the high school spring season moves along, games take on more meaning and there are plenty of contests among local teams this week that will go a long way toward determining the postseason.

But there are none bigger than the matchup that will take place Monday on the softball field in Hudson.

At 4 p.m. on Monday, Alvirne (13-2) will host Concord (14-0) in what could be a preview of the Class L final.

Both teams have been able to get it done from the batter's box this season, but the strength on both sides are pitching and defense. The Tide lead Class L in shutouts, with a whopping 10 this season, while the Broncos are tied for third with five shutouts. Both teams have had shutout streaks this season that have stretched over four games.

Also on Monday, in Class I, Souhegan baseball plays host to Bedford at 4:15 p.m. in Amherst. The teams met less than a week ago in Bedford, and the Bulldogs (7-4) handed the Sabers (9-1) their first loss of the season 7-3.

After starting the season with just three wins in its first seven games, Bedford has won four straight, including wins over previously-undefeated Souhegan and St. Thomas. Meanwhile, Souhegan has found ways to dig itself out of holes all season - the Sabers already have four come-from-behind wins - until the loss to Bedford

In Class S on Monday, the Wilton-Lyndeborough softball team will head to Pittsfield. The teams met back in April in Wilton, and the Warriors (9-0) handed the Panthers (8-1) their only loss of the season, 7-6.

On Tuesday, the softball teams from Nashua South (7-6) and Nashua North (8-4) will meet at 7 p.m. at Rivier College. The game had originally been scheduled for May 7.

Friday features three intriguing baseball matchups. In Class I, Souhegan travels to face Hollis/Brookline at 4:15 p.m. The Sabers won the first meeting between the teams, needing a late comeback to beat the Cavaliers.

In Class L, Alvirne (6-8) heads to Nashua South (10-3) to face the Panthers at 4 p.m. The Broncos have won two straight after what has proven to be a streaky season.

Also in Class L, Nashua North (10-3) travels to Goffstown (12-2) for a 4:30 p.m. game that could determine the No. 1 seed in the tournament. Both teams have been hot the last two weeks. The Grizzlies have won five of six games, while the Titans are on a seven-game winning streak.

On Saturday, the Souhegan girls lacrosse team (8-4 in Division I) heads out to Londonderry (11-0) to face the Lanchester at 10 a.m. The teams played on April 27, and the Sabers gave Londonderry one of its toughest games of the season.