Gopher Conference Softball Has Three Top Section Seeds

It's been a remarkable season of excellence in the Gopher Conference in fastpitch softball.  Three teams have been rewarded with top seeds in the playoffs starting this week.

United South Central, conference champions are #1 in Section 2A, Faribault Bethlehem Academy, #1 in Section 1A, Randolph, tops in Section 1AA,

That means they could all make the MSHSL State Tournament in June.  Wouldn't that be special for Gopher Conference fans?

Section brackets were determined this weekend.

The first round for the small schools are single elimination because of the number of teams involved in the playoffs.  Being a top seed means you avoid the chance of being knocked out with an upset in the first game because top seeds get a first round bye.

Section 1A MSHSL Softball Bracket is here... 

Bethlehem Academy (12-4) could face one of the 4 teams they lost to during the regular season if #8 Kenyon-Wanamingo (8-9) defeats #9 Goodhue (6-12) in their first game Monday, May 19, 2025 in Wanamingo.

The Houston Hurricanes (17-3) received the #2 seed and open Monday with #15 Schaeffer Academy (0-15).

#3 Wabasha-Kellogg (12-8) always seems to peak this time of year and opens with #14 Lyle-Pacelli (1-14).

#4 Southland (15-5) goes up against #13 Fillmore Central (1-19).

#5 Lewiston-Altura (9-10) hosts #12 Rushford-Peterson (3-17).

$6 Mabel-Canton (14-6) collides with #11 Spring Grove (7-10).

#7 hayfield )8-12) has a date with #10 Blooming  Prairie (5-13).

Losers in opening round see their seasons end.

The next round is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at higher seed then the competition becomes double-elimination and shifts to Todd Park in Austin on Friday, May 22, 2025.

MSHSL Section 2A Bracket is here.

Minnesota Fastpitch Coaches Association #1 Class A United South Central (19-0) gets first round bye,  They will play the winner of #8 Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton (7-12) and #9 Springfield (5-15) on Friday, May 22, 2025.

J-W-P hosts Springfield Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

#2 seed New Ulm Cathedral (18-2) opens Tuesday with Heron Lake-Okabena/Fulda (1-13).

#3 Martin County West (17-3) takes on #14 Minnesota Valley Lutheran (2-17).

#4 Cleveland (14-5) entertains #13 Alden-Conger/Glenville-Emmons (4-14).

#5 Sleepy Eye (14-5) tangles with #12 Sleepy Eye Saint Mary's (5-14).

#6 Nicollet (12-6) hosts RRC/WWG (4-16).

#7 Mt. Lake Area-Comfrey (9-10) entertains #10 Madelia (5-14).

MSHSL Section 1AA Bracket is here. 

Defending State Champion Randolph (19-1) tuned up for the section action by defeating two-time defending Class 3A title holder Mankato East last Thursday in Mankato.  They will host the winner of #8 Winona Cotter (11-9) and #9 Zumbrota-Mazeppa (8-12), two teams with rich fastpitch traditions.

#2 seed Chatfield (16-4) gets #15 Triton (3-15) to travel to their field Monday, May 19, 2025.

#3 Cannon Falls (15-5) hosts #14 Plainview-Elgin-Millville (4-16).

@4 Caledonia (16-4) plays #13 GMLOK (11-8) .

#6 LaCrescent (15-5) goes up against #11 Pine Island (7-12).

#7 St. Charles (13-7) entertains #10 Lake City (9-10).

MSHSL Section 1AAA Bracket is here.

Top seed Northfield (17-3) hosts #8 Faribault (0-18) Tuesday, May 20, 2025 in a re-match of last year's first round when the Falcons pulled off the upset and went on an amazing run ending with a second place finish in the sections.

#2 Stewartville (14-4) opens with #7 Red Wing (4-14).

#3 Kasson-Mantorville (12-7) hosts #6 Austn (9-11).

#4 Byron (11-6) plays #5 Winona (8-110.

Class 3A and Class 4A teams don't have a single elimination first round, but have double-elimination all the way.

MSHSL Section 1AAAA Bracket is here.

Farmington (18-2) grabbed the top spot and opens with #8 Rochester John Marshall (2-14) Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

#2 Lakeville North (13-7) has #7 Rochester Mayo (12-8) come to their place.

#3 Lakeville South (9-10) hosts #6 New Prague (7-10).

#4 Rochester Century (12-6) entertains #5 Owatonna (12-8).