Prep softball pairings revealed

Choudrant, Ruston, Simsboro, and the Cedar Creek softball programs will all take part in the postseason, with the Louisiana High School Athletic Association unveiling the 2024 softball playoff brackets on Wednesday.

It’s the first time since 2021 more than three Lincoln parish programs have made the playoffs in the same year.

Dates and times have not been finalized as of Wednesday afternoon but all first-round games must be completed by Saturday.

Choudrant

The Lady Aggies (18-5) began their season with more ups and downs – a 5-3 record – than expected after last season’s run to the state tournament. But from then on, Choudrant finished the regular season 13-2 to earn the No. 3 seed in the Division V nonselect bracket, securing a first-round bye for the first time since 2018.

Choudrant, who once again won District 2-B, will wait to host the winner of No. 14 Fairview (14-4) and No. 19 Starks (13-6) for a second-round matchup.

Ruston

At this time last year, the Lady Bearcats’ season would be over. Now, Ruston is back in the playoff mix for the first time since 2021 with a 17-12 overall record and a 5-5 mark in district play – both program bests since 2018.

Ruston earned the No. 18 in the Division I nonselect field and will travel to face the No. 15 Chalmette Owls (15-9) in the first round.

If the Lady Bearcats can pull out a win on the road, they would take on No. 2 seeded Southside (19-7) in the second round.

Simsboro

For the first time since 2019, Simsboro softball will host a first-round playoff game after the LHSAA granted the Lady Tigers the No. 15 seed in the Division V nonselect bracket.

Simsboro (18-10) will host the No. 18 seed Evans Eagles (10-6). The winner will hit the road for a second-round matchup at No. 2 Zwolle (28-4).

The Lady Tigers will try for their first playoff win since 2018.

Cedar Creek

Despite an exodus of veteran starters, the Cedar Creek Lady Cougars (12-14) fought their way into the Division IV select playoff field as the No. 17 seed.

If Creek takes down No. 16 seed Louise McGehee (13-4) on the road in the first round, the Lady Cougars would set up a rematch of last year’s Division IV select quarterfinals against No. 1 Opelousas Catholic (21-6).