Why Clovis North softball opted out of CIF regionals after winning section title
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Clovis North will forgo the CIF Regional playoffs despite winning the section title.
- Coach Courtney Dale said graduation scheduling forced players to choose between events.
- Clovis East is expected to take Clovis North’s regional spot after the Broncos withdrew.
After dominating its way to a third straight Central Section Division I championship, the Clovis North softball team will not participate in the CIF regional playoffs.
Broncos coach Courtney Dale said a scheduling conflict with graduation ceremonies ultimately led to the decision.
“After several conversations and efforts to explore the possible solutions, it became clear that participating in the CIF regional playoffs would require some student-athletes to choose between competing with the team and participating in their high school graduation ceremony,” Dale told the Bee.
“We remain hopeful that CIF will continue to explore scheduling solutions in the future so that student-athletes are not faced with this difficult decision. In the meantime, we are working through this decision with our players and families and understand the disappointment associated with not having the opportunity to compete. We are incredibly proud of this team and plan to celebrate the back-to-back-to-back Section Championships.”
Clovis North capped its section title run with a commanding 17-1 victory over Buchanan on Saturday at Margie Wright Diamond
The Broncos likely would have earned either the Nos. 1 or 2 seed in the CIF regional playoffs, which begin Tuesday. However, Clovis North’s graduation ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, creating a conflict for graduating seniors.
With Clovis North declining its regional berth, Clovis East take its place in the CIF playoffs. The Timberwolves were the No. 3 seed in the Central Section playoffs and lost 1-0 to No. 7 Buchanan in the semifinals.
Buchanan’s graduation ceremony is set for Wednesday, while Clovis East held its commencement last week.
