The NorCal regional playoffs opened on June 2 with Northern Section baseball and softball teams battling for advancement.
Semifinals on the horizon
In baseball, only one of the six NSCIF teams progressed, while the softball bracket saw four of five squads secure victories and move forward.
Division II saw Franklin dominate Chico 8‑1, and Division III featured Wheatland edging Foothill 5‑3. In Division IV, West Valley rolled past Amador 12‑1, while Livermore posted a 15‑8 win over U‑Prep.
Division V produced two decisive outcomes: Minarets defeated Maxwell 13‑9 and Skyline bested Los Molinos 5‑1.
The softball side of the draw delivered its own slate of results, with Las Plumas topping Foothill (Pleasanton) 9‑2, East Nicolaus edging Rodriguez 3‑2, and Chico overcoming Chowchilla 12‑6. Additional Division V matchups saw Moreau Catholic shut out Chester 10‑0 and Durham rout Lowell 12‑2.
West Valley softball entered the first round as the No. 1 seed in Division IV and received a bye, positioning the team to join the four victorious opponents in the semifinal round scheduled for June 4.