What to watch for in WPIAL sports on May 9, 2024: Softball playoff pairings to be unveiled on Trib HSSN

By: Don Rebel
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 | 10:28 PM

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The WPIAL offices will be buzzing over the next couple of days with spring bracketology galore.

On Thursday, the steering committees will meet to put together the brackets for the district softball playoffs as well as the boys and girls lacrosse tournaments.

We will run down the brackets for the 2024 WPIAL softball playoffs on the WPIAL Playoff Pairings Show at 2 p.m. Thursday here on Trib HSSN.

On Friday, the WPIAL will release the brackets for the district baseball and boys volleyball playoffs.

The Baseball Playoff Pairing Show will be noon Friday on Trib HSSN.

Volleyball finales

The WPIAL Class 3A playoff field is set with one possible addition on the final night of the regular season.

In Section 1-3A, Upper St. Clair (4-5) has clinched a playoff berth.

However, if the Panthers lose at Moon and Bethel Park (3-6) upsets section champion Canon-McMillan, the Black Hawks would tie USC for fourth place and also earn a postseason berth.

In Section 2-2A, Derry (4-5) can make it a four-way tie for second place behind Mars and earn a playoff spot with a victory Thursday. If the Trojans defeat visiting Deer Lakes, they clinch.

A win would tie Derry with Latrobe, Gateway and Armstrong for second place and all four teams would qualify.

Serving for first

Several WPIAL boys volleyball teams can wrap up a section title or a share of the crown with a win Thursday.

In Section 2-3A, North Allegheny and Shaler are deadlocked for first place and each can earn a share of the title with a win.

The Tigers are home to Pine-Richland and the Titans host North Hills.

In Section 3-3A, Penn-Trafford will visit Norwin on Thursday.

If the Knights win at home, they are outright section winners. If the Warriors are victorious, the two rivals will share the section crown.

In Section 1-2A, a North Catholic win at Bishop Canevin gives the Trojans as share of the title with Ambridge.

Finally in Section 3-2A, South Fayette is home to Thomas Jefferson. If the Lions win, they are outright section champs. If the Jaguars win, the two will be co-section champions.