SALINAS VALLEY — Entering the final games of the season, let’s take a look at some of the South Monterey County softball teams’ resumes and see if they have a shot to make the playoffs.
In the Central Coast Section, there are six divisions. Out of those divisions, 41 teams will be automatic qualifiers and seven at-large teams will get in based on their resumes.
Greenfield Bruins
Last season the Greenfield Bruins had a historic year, winning a league title and hosting a playoff game. This year, the Lady Bruins took a step back as they moved up two divisions.
Through the growing pain, the Lady Bruins do have a good win over the Soledad Aztecs, who are contenders in the Mission Division.
Prediction: OUT.
Gonzales Spartans
Another team that made the postseason last season and see themselves on the outside looking in is the Gonzales Spartans, but they have won their last four games to give them a shot.
After getting beat by 10 runs to the Pacific Grove Breakers, the Lady Spartans started their winning streak against the King City Mustangs, who are also contending for the playoffs. In their last game, the Spartans also beat another team on top of the division, the Carmel Padres.
Prediction: IN. The Spartans will likely get in as an at-large team.
King City Mustangs
At the beginning of the season, most had the King City Mustangs on lock to make the postseason. Although it wouldn’t be easy without their star Lisa Villanueva being out for majority of the season, they still had enough talent to make a push for the postseason.
Right now, the Lady Mustangs have dropped two of their last three league games. With three games remaining, they will have two of their last three games against the Carmel Padres.
Prediction: OUT.
Soledad Aztecs
Last week the Soledad Aztecs were in a position to do something for the first time in program history, and that was to move closer to clinching a title.
The Lady Aztecs beat the Alisal Trojans to set up a key match-up with the Monte Vista Christian Mustangs. If the Lady Aztecs won, they would’ve controled the Cypress Division. Unfortunately, Soledad came up short, 12-7.
Prediction: OUT. Unfortunately for the Aztecs, the Cypress Division will likely be a one-team bid, and as of right now, the MVC Mustangs own the tie-breakers.
