Our Picks & Schedule for Every First‑Round NJSIAA Softball Playoff Game

It’s that time of year again—high‑school softball teams across New Jersey are gearing up for the first round of the NJSIAA playoffs. The excitement is palpable, the diamonds are polished, and fans are already debating who will move on. Below you’ll find the full schedule, venues, and our humble guesses for each matchup.

Group I (North Jersey)

• Eastside Patriots (12‑2) vs. River Valley Rams (10‑4) – Thursday, May 28 at 6:30 p.m. on the Patriots’ home field. Pick: Eastside’s pitching depth should carry them through a tight 5‑3 win.

• Maplewood Eagles (11‑3) vs. Willowbrook Wildcats (9‑5) – Friday, May 29 at 5:00 p.m. at Willowbrook’s stadium. Pick: The Eagles’ offense is hot; expect a 7‑2 victory.

• Hudson Hawks (13‑1) vs. Northfield Knights (8‑6) – Saturday, May 30 at 4:00 p.m. at a neutral field in Hoboken. Pick: Hudson’s senior ace is a game‑changer—5‑1 is likely.

Group II (Central Jersey)

• Central Valley Cougars (11‑4) vs. East Grove Lions (10‑5) – Thursday, May 28 at 7:00 p.m. at the Cougars’ home park. Pick: A close battle, but the Cougars should edge it 4‑3.

• Franklin Fusion (12‑3) vs. Springfield Spartans (9‑6) – Friday, May 29 at 6:00 p.m. at Springfield’s field. Pick: The Fusion’s clutch hitting gives them a 6‑4 win.

• Ridgefield Rangers (10‑5) vs. Oakwood Owls (9‑7) – Saturday, May 30 at 5:30 p.m. at a neutral site in Trenton. Pick: Rangers’ solid defense should secure a 3‑1 victory.

Group III (South Jersey)

• Baytown Barracudas (13‑0) vs. Cedar Creek Chargers (8‑8) – Thursday, May 28 at 6:00 p.m. on Baytown’s home diamond. Pick: Undefeated and confident—Baytown takes it 8‑0.

• Southside Sharks (12‑2) vs. Pine Hill Pirates (9‑5) – Friday, May 29 at 5:30 p.m. at Pine Hill’s field. Pick: Sharks’ speed on the bases should translate to a 5‑2 win.

• Atlantic Academy (11‑4) vs. Meadowbrook Mustangs (10‑5) – Saturday, May 30 at 4:30 p.m. at a neutral venue in Camden. Pick: Expect a slugfest; Atlantic edges out 7‑5.

These games kick off the bracket, and while upsets are always possible, the teams listed above have shown the consistency and talent to advance. Keep an eye on the weather—rain delays can shuffle start times, especially in the early evenings. Grab your popcorn, cheer on your local school, and enjoy the drama that only postseason softball can deliver.