The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association released the brackets for the spring state tournament in baseball and softball on Wednesday, setting the stage for a series of games that are slated to open on Friday, though organizers have left the door open for an earlier start on Thursday if both athletic directors give their consent.
Key Matchups to Watch
Among the softball seeds, the Advanced Math and Science team stands out as the sole No. 1 seed in the region, a distinction that highlights its strong regular‑season performance and raises expectations for a deep playoff run.
Several local programs are eyeing a return to the Final Four, including the baseball and softball squads from Hopedale and Hopkinton, as well as the Hopkinton softball team, all of which have expressed confidence in their ability to advance through the early rounds.
In baseball, the Division 1 Round of 32 features matchups such as Hopkinton versus Natick, Lincoln‑Sudbury against Cambridge Rindge & Latin, Waltham taking on Wellesley, and Leominster facing Franklin, while Division 2 pits Ashland against Mansfield, Westborough against Wakefield, and Holliston against Longmeadow.
Division 3 preliminary games will see Oakmont meet Blackstone Valley Tech, Pembroke take on Medway, and Tri‑County square off against East Longmeadow, whereas Division 4 will feature Leicester versus Bellingham and Sutton against AMSA.
Division 5 preliminary contests include a clash between Gateway and Millis, and another between Hull and Hopedale, adding further intrigue to the early stages of the tournament.
Softball action will begin with Division 1 preliminary games that pit Medford against Lincoln‑Sudbury, Algonquin against Weymouth, and Plymouth North against Hopkinton, while Division 2 sees Wayland face Ashland.
Division 3 softball preliminaries include Nauset versus Hudson, Ludlow against Nipmuc, Tri‑County versus Fairhaven, and Blackstone Valley Tech versus Cardinal Spellman, and Division 4 matchups feature Southwick versus Millis, Old Colony/Triton against AMSA, and a combined Excel/Northbridge team versus Bellingham.
Finally, the Division 5 softball Round of 32 will showcase Boston Collegiate Charter/Smith Academy taking on Hopedale, rounding out a schedule that promises competitive games across multiple communities.