Yuba City sophomore Maddison Stead (53) blasts a home run on May 5 during the Honkers’ victory over River Valley. Photo by Chris Pedigo

YUBA-SUTTER, CA (YSBC) - The CIF Sac-Joaquin Section released their softball postseason brackets on May 8 and our area has five representatives that have the opportunity to play for a blue banner.

CIF Sac-Joaquin Division III

River Valley

The Falcons were given the No. 10 seed in the Division III bracket.

River Valley had a rough end to the year as they dropped four of their last five contests.

The Falcons young pitching staff of sophomore Apple Ward and Marissa Widener will pound the strike zone and get the ball hit in play.

River Valley’s offense will give them the opportunity to score runs early as the hitting lineup has depth 1-9 as they hit .327 as a team.

The Falcons will travel to Sacramento on Wednesday, May 13 and play at Christian Brothers with first pitch at 4 p.m.

River Valley senior Emylee Hull (7) connects with a pitch on May 7 during the Falcons’ loss to Sutter. Photo by Steven Bryla

CIF Sac-Joaquin Division IV

Yuba City

The Honkers will hit the road as they were the No. 9 seed despite making a late push at the end of the Foothill Valley League and winning their last three games.

Yuba City’s hitting line up has a lot of power and will be the key to their success in a competitive D-IV bracket.

The Honkers left side of the infield and power duo between senior Chloe Gonzales and Naiema Cawthon will intimidate opposing pitching, but the pop throughout the lineup can produce runs as they hit .405 as a team.

The sophomore duo pitching staff for Yuba City between Maddison Stead and Danika Alvarez has postseason experience and knows finding the strike zone is key.

The Honkers will travel to Manteca on Wednesday, May 13 and play at East Union. The Lancers ended Yuba City’s season last year and the Honkers have the chance to do the exact same thing to East Union.

Lindhurst

The Blazers were given the No. 10 seed in the Division IV bracket and have a tough test in the opening round.

Lindhurst will travel along Highway 65 and play against Roseville on May 13 at 4 p.m.

The Blazers finished tied for first in the Sierra Delta League as they split their double header with Woodland Christian on April 24.

Lindhurst hasn’t played much higher league competition this season, but that win over Woodland Christian should boost their confidence and give them a shot against Roseville.

Blazers senior Ashlynn Wheeler is the right leader to take her team into a postseason game.

Wheeler is hitting an astronomical .574 on the year, but senior Alison Diaz-Valdez (.633) and junior Gisele Thao (.737) are off of the charts.

Lindhurst will be overlooked by their opponents and as they have proved once already this year that they can beat a quality-caliber team.

Sutter junior Kalena Delacerna (6) hits the ball on May 7 during the Huskies’ win against River Valley. Photo by Steven Bryla

CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division V

Wheatland

The Pirates were given the No. 12 seed in the Division V as they finished fourth overall in the Pioneer Valley League standings.

Wheatland went 3-1 in their final four games, including two forfeit victories over Mira Loma and Colfax.

The Pirates hit .423 as a team during the regular season as junior Tatum Sousa (.612) and senior Ashtynnne Agarenzo (.508) lead the charge in the hitters box.

Wheatland freshman pitcher Lariah Hyatt will get her first taste of the postseason in the circle as she has pitched half of the innings for the Pirates.

Wheatland will travel to Orangevale and take on Casa Roble on Wednesday, May 13 with first pitch at 4 p.m.

Sutter

The Huskies were given the No. 3 seed in the Division V bracket after they had a strong finish to the regular season.

Sutter won five of their final six games and finished third in the Golden Empire league standings.

The Huskies will rely on junior pitcher Brooklyn Murphey and sophomore Ryleigh Lemenager in the circle to consistently toss strikes.

Sutter has a strategic hitting lineup where the top of their lineup is speedy and they fill it out with power hitting throughout the remainder of the lineup.

The Huskies raised a D-V blue banner two years ago and have the opportunity to do it again.

For more local sports, visit ysbcsports.com.

Sutter junior pitcher Brooklyn Murphey (3) tosses a pitch on May 7 against River Valley during the Huskies’ victory. Photo by Steven Bryla