The highly anticipated CIF Southern Section softball playoffs are set to begin this Thursday at 3:15 p.m., and Inland teams are stepping up in full force. A total of 67 teams from the region earned postseason spots, either through automatic berths from league standings or at-large entries, demonstrating the strong talent pool in the area. This year, the playoffs follow a historic change. For the first time, in-season rankings determined the divisional seedings, adding a new layer of excitement and debate to the brackets.
Leading the pack is a semi-local team in Norco, the top-seeded team in Division 1, marking the eighth time the Cougars have claimed the No. 1 spot since 2009. Historically, Norco has excelled from this position, winning four championships and reaching the finals on two other occasions. This year, they’ve earned a first-round bye and await the winner of the matchup between Oaks Christian and Camarillo, set to take place on Saturday in Norco. With championship aspirations running high, the Cougars are once again a team to watch.
Other area teams in Division 1 include the Murrieta Mesa Rams, and Temescal Canyon Titans. A particularly intriguing matchup in the first round sees Riverside Poly facing off against Murrieta Mesa in what promises to be a fiercely competitive game. Meanwhile, Temescal Canyon travels to Anaheim Canyon to kick off their playoff campaign.
Division 2 also features strong representation from the region. The Liberty Bison enter as the No. 2 seed and are set to host La Serna in the first round. Liberty has been a rising power in recent years, winning the Division 5 championship in 2023 and finishing as runners-up last season. Another standout in this bracket is Linfield Christian, the fourth seed, which will host Los Altos in what could be a pivotal game.
Other divisions have also seen Inland teams securing key spots. The Orange Vista Coyotes have their eyes on success in Division 3 as they host Ramona in the first round. In Division 4, Hemet takes on Long Beach Wilson in what promises to be an evenly matched contest, while Elsinore hopes to advance past their opener against Ontario Christian.
Even in the lower divisions, local teams are ready to make their mark. Santa Rosa Academy heads to Granite Hills in Division 6, while San Jacinto matches up against Santa Clara. Division 7 features several intriguing matchups, including San Jacinto Valley Academy at Sacred Heart of LA and Lakeside hosting Fontana. Nuview Bridge and Cal Lutheran represent the local hopes in Division 8, as they gear up for road challenges at Loma Linda Academy and St. Genevieve, respectively.
The CIF-SS softball playoffs are also notable for their ability to highlight the rich diversity of talent across the region’s schools. With five additional teams from the Inland area receiving top-four seeds in various divisions, the stage is set for a thrilling postseason that will undoubtedly bring surprises, upsets, and moments of brilliance.
For those following the action, the playoffs begin Thursday, though dates, times, and sites are subject to change. Fans should prepare for what is sure to be a captivating tournament filled with intense rivalries and high-stakes games.
CIF-SS SOFTBALL PLAYOFFS
(All are first round games scheduled for Thursday, May 15, at 3:15 p.m., unless noted; Dates, sites and times subject to change.)
Division 1
Riverside Poly at Murrieta Mesa
Temescal Canyon at Anaheim Canyon
Second Round (Saturday, May 17) – TBA
Division 2
Torrance at Great Oak
Los Altos at Linfield Christian
Simi Valley at Vista Murrieta
La Serna at Liberty
Division 3
Ramona at Orange Vista
Division 4
Long Beach Wilson at Hemet
Ontario Christian at Elsinore
Division 5
NO LOCAL TEAMS
Division 6
Santa Rosa Academy at Granite Hills
Santa Clara at San Jacinto
Division 7
Hamilton (Anza) at Rancho Mirage
San Jacinto Valley Academy at Sacred Heart of LA
Citrus Hill at Culver City
Fontana at Lakeside
Division 8
Loma Linda Academy at Nuview Bridge
Cal Lutheran at St. Genevieve
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