Context:

The CIF Southern Section high school softball playoffs have commenced in California, with the official 2025 playoff brackets now available. The playoffs kick off on May 15, spanning five rounds, with championship games scheduled for the weekend of May 30-31. Norco and Etiwanda are the top two seeds in Division 1, earning first-round byes. Detailed schedules and brackets for all eight divisions can be accessed on the CIFSS website. Lance Smith, who has been covering high school sports since 2019, provides insights into the postseason activities.

Dive Deeper:

• The CIF Southern Section has released the 2025 softball playoff brackets, marking the start of the postseason for California high school teams. The playoffs involve multiple rounds, beginning on May 15 and concluding with championships by the end of May.

• Norco and Etiwanda stand out as the leading teams in Division 1, securing first-round byes due to their top seedings. This advantageous position allows them to await their opponents in the subsequent rounds.

• For fans and participants looking for detailed schedules and matchups, the CIFSS website offers comprehensive brackets. The site is organized by eight divisions, making it easy to navigate and find specific information.

• The CIF Southern Section is known for being the largest and most competitive division in California high school sports, highlighting the importance of these playoffs in the broader athletic landscape.

• Lance Smith, a journalist with experience in covering high school sports since 2019, provides coverage and analysis of the playoffs. His background includes a degree from The USC Marshall School of Business, with interests in sports rankings and statistics.

• The high school softball postseason is here throughout much of California, including the state's largest and strongest section – the CIF-Southern Section.

• The CIF-SS's 2025 softball playoff brackets have officially been unveiled, and all divisions open up on Thursday, May 15, with the first of five rounds. Championships will take place throughout the weekend of May 30-31.

• MORE: CIF-SS baseball playoff brackets

• Norco and Etiwanda earned first round byes as the top two seeds in Division 1.

• You can find the official playoff brackets with complete schedules on the CIFSS website. Go to the link and you'll find tabs for all eight divisions near the top of the page.