The MIAA released its state tournament brackets for softball on Wednesday, and one local team found itself seeded above all the rest.
The St. Mary’s softball team picked up the No. 1 seed in the Division 3 tournament, closing the year at 16-4. The Spartans will have a first-round bye before taking on the winner of No. 32 Shawsheen-No. 33 Bristol Plymouth Sunday afternoon (2) in the Round of 32.
Two other locals found their way into the Div. 3 bracket, with Bishop Fenwick and Saugus both earning seeds. Fenwick (11-9) earned the No. 13 seed and a first-round bye, after which the Crusaders will host No. 20 Newburyport Friday afternoon (4:30).
Saugus (13-7) also earned a home game as the No. 27 seed, but the Sachems will play in the preliminary round against No. 38 Belchertown at a date and time to be determined.
Two local teams earned a place in the Div. 1 state tournament, with Peabody picking up the No. 9 seed after a stellar 18-2 regular season. The Tanners have a bye in the first round before hosting No. 24 New Bedford in the Round of 32 at a date and time to be determined.
Lynn Classical (14-6) earned the No. 31 seed and will play a home game in the preliminary round. The Rams will host a familiar foe — Greater Boston League member No. 34 Medford — Saturday (4) at Breed Middle School.
The only other local team in the tournament mix this spring is in Division 4, where the Lynnfield Pioneers managed to earn the No. 30 seed despite finishing with a record well below .500 (6-14). Better yet, Lynnfield will get a home game as it hosts No. 35 English High in the preliminary round at a date and time to be determined.
