The top-ranked Bradford softball team needs just two more victories to secure its first-ever appearance in the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association Division-1 State Tournament.

If this scenario sounds familiar, it’s for good reason.

The Red Devils, ranked No. 1 in the latest WisSports.net Coaches poll, look to extend their season in facing Milton in a WIAA sectional semifinal 2 p.m. today at Verona. In the other sectional semifinal — held at the same time and location — seventh-seeded Central takes on third-seeded Verona.

The winners square off in a 4 p.m. sectional final.

Bradford (21-1) ended its season in the sectional final — just one victory away from State — in each of the last three seasons, with all three losses coming against Verona.

“It’s not something we spend a lot of time talking about,” said Bradford coach John P. Ruffalo of his team’s heartbreaking finishes. “This is a new season. The team is very excited, very focused and playing its best ball of the season.

“We talk about how to be prepared to play our best when it matters the most, not about the past. We talk about being the best we can be in the future.”

The Red Devils feature a pair of dominating pitchers in senior Alyssa Roberts (11-0) and sophomore Ali Brems (9-0) along with a talented lineup from top to bottom. After coming so close in the past, it’s clear anything but a trip to State would be a disappointment, according to Ruffalo.

“I think in everyone’s mind, since last June, their goal is set on getting to the State tournament,” Ruffalo said. “It will be a significant measure of our season.”

Roberts struck out the first eight batters and captured the Red Devils’ 10th shutout of the season with a 4-0 complete-game victory over Janesville Craig in a regional final last Thursday.

While the Red Devils enter as a heavy favorite once again today, the other sectional semifinal should be closely contested. Central (16-6) upset second-seeded Wilmot 3-1 in the regional final. Ninth-ranked Verona (19-4) advanced with a 3-2 victory over Lake Geneva Badger.

“I think that game is a toss-up,” Ruffalo said. “(Central) has some veteran players and some good young players. I think they’re capable of winning any game they play.”

The Falcons are led by NCAA Division-1 UW-Green Bay recruit Jess Hrncar.