Prep Softball Represents: State Tournaments Open with Play-In Rounds; Title Chase Begins -

For programs in our broader community, that chase carries a little more weight this year.

By Levi Gwaltney for Las Cruces Digest
Source: New Mexico Activities Association

The road to a state title begins this week across New Mexico, as teams in all classifications enter tournament play with one goal in mind: bringing home the “Blue Trophy.”

For programs in our broader community, that chase carries a little more weight this year.

Every classification bracket—1A/2A through 5A—features at least one team from our area, a full sweep that underscores both the depth and reach of softball talent in the region. From smaller programs fighting through early play-in rounds to established contenders with championship experience, the opportunity is there across the board.

And the objective is clear: keep the Blue Trophy down south.

HOW THE TOURNAMENT WORKS (AND WHY IT LOOKS CONFUSING)

The official state schedule is presented as a pair of condensed charts, separating smaller schools (1A/2A and 3A) from larger classifications (4A and 5A). While compact, the format masks an important reality:

Early rounds are not centralized.

Instead, many opening games are played at higher-seeded home sites, often in what’s known as a “3-2-1” format—where teams may play multiple games in a single day, advancing immediately with little turnaround time.

Later rounds shift to centralized sites in Albuquerque:

1A/2A and 3A move to the Los Altos Complex beginning May 13
4A and 5A follow at Cleveland High School starting May 14

Until then, it’s a fast-moving, locally hosted sprint just to reach the bracket’s main stage.

LOCAL TEAMS TO WATCH — OPENING ROUND SNAPSHOT

Class 1A/2A

Mesilla Valley Christian (11) opens against Jal (6) on May 6 at Gallup Sports Complex
- First pitch: 4 PM
- The winner immediately advances to face Hozho Academy (3) later that evening in a same-day turnaround

(Courtesy HVPS Athletics & Activities via Facebook)

Class 3A

Hatch Valley (12) faces Sandia Prep (5) on May 6 at Cobre High School
- First pitch: 4 PM
- The winner advances directly into a second game against host Cobre (4) that night

Class 4A

Santa Teresa (14) travels to face Silver (3) on May 8
- First pitch: 6 PM
- With a win, Santa Teresa advances into the next round on May 9 against the winner of Gallup vs. Belen

District 3/5A Champions- Mayfield’s Lady Trojans (Photo Courtesy Thrive575 Athletics via Facebook)

Class 5A

The largest classification brings the most immediate action—and the most local firepower.

Mayfield (1) opens against Rio Rancho (16) on May 8 at the Field of Dreams
Centennial (9)—the defending state champion—faces Volcano Vista (8) at the same time and site
- Both games begin at 9 AM
- Winners advance immediately to face each other at 11 AM in a same-day elimination setup

On the other side of the bracket:

Organ Mountain (3) takes on Cibola (14)
- First pitch: 9 AM, May 8 (Field of Dreams)
- The winner advances to face the victor of Piedra Vista vs. La Cueva later that morning
Las Cruces (10) faces Albuquerque (7) on May 8 at Alamogordo High School
- First pitch: 11 AM
- The winner advances to face the winner of Alamogordo (2) vs. Carlsbad (15) at 4 PM