What to watch for in WPIAL sports on May 12, 2022: Softball playoff brackets to be unveiled
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Wednesday, May 11, 2022 | 4:59 PM
Christopher Horner | Tribune review
Sandra Soltes of Bethel Park celebrated her grand slam as she toured the bases during the first inning of the 2021 WPIAL Class 6A championship game against Canon-McMillan.
Welcome to springs sports bracketology season.
With five sports in the district starting their postseasons next week, the various WPIAL steering committees will be busy over the next two days, meeting first and then filling the official brackets after a few enthusiastic debate.
On Thursday, Trib HSSN will unveil the 2022 WPIAL softball bracket during the networks Playoff Pairings Show at 4 p.m.
Eighty district softball teams were invited to this postseason party including all six defending champions: Bethel Park at 6A, North Hills at 5A, Beaver at 4A, Mt. Pleasant at 3A, Laurel at 2A and West Greene at A.
Laurel will attempt a three-peat at 2A while the Pioneers of West Greene hope to make WPIAL history by winning a sixth consecutive softball championship.
Lax brax
Softball isn’t the only game set for the postseason on Thursday. WPIAL will also release brackets for the 2022 boys and girls lacrosse playoffs.
It was almost a clean sweep of the lacrosse district crowns last spring.
Shady Side Academy won the girls 3A title; however, the Bulldogs boys team reached the finals and lost to the nail biter of North Allegheny, 9-8.
The brooms are at 2A as the men and women of Mars celebrate the championships.
The Shady Side Academy girls ’group will try to win gold for the third consecutive season while the Mars boys program is shooting for a sixth consecutive lacrosse title.
WPIAL will release the baseball and boys volleyball bracket on Friday.
You can watch as the brackets are revealed during the Baseball Playoff Pairings Show on Trib HSSN at 2 p.m. on Friday.
Better late than never
Class 3A and Class 2A in WPIAL boys volleyball have 13 teams each set to compete in the upcoming postseason.
Class 3A will have a 14th team by the end of Thursday.
On the last night of the regular season, Fox Chapel was an avid spectator.
The Foxes ended their section schedule on Tuesday by staying alive with a win against Butler to advance to 5-7.
Now for Fox Chapel to win, Butler must be defeated in Seneca Valley.
The Golden Tornado have a 5-6 record as the Raiders tie the section lead with North Allegheny.
