Escalon’s softball team opens up the Sac-Joaquin Section Division 4 playoffs at home today, Tuesday, May 17.

The Lady Cougars, third in the Trans-Valley League standings, got a No. 6 seed for the playoffs and get to stay home, hosting No. 11 Galt in a 4 p.m. contest in Escalon.

There is no admission charge; all are encouraged to come out and support the softball team as it begins pursuit of another Section title.

Escalon is coming off a final week of league play that featured a pair of wins, including a satisfying 6-3 victory over rival Ripon in the home finale.

“It felt amazing,” senior Tulsa Carnes said of defeating the visiting Lady Indians – the No. 4 seed in the playoff bracket – as they closed out the league campaign.

Earlier in the season, Ripon edged past Escalon by an 8-7 final so for Carnes and the rest of the team, splitting the season series was important.

“I’m so excited, this is my very first time making playoffs,” Carnes added.

Though a senior, Carnes didn’t get the chance for a postseason appearance the last couple of years due to COVID restrictions.

Senior pitcher Brooke Davis had a solid outing against Ripon and said getting the win capped a festive celebration for the Senior Day on May 12.

“We just kind of knew,” she said of taking the win, the team committed to working together to seal the victory. “It was Senior Night and I knew they would have our back. It feels amazing.”

As they head into the playoffs, Davis said the team has been having good practices and has bonded more, focused on the goal of bringing home a blue banner.

Teams in Division 4 include top seed Dixon, followed by No. 2 Marysville, Orestimba, Ripon, Liberty Ranch, Escalon, Capital Christian, Casa Roble, Sonora, Center and Galt.

The winner of today’s Escalon-Galt game moves on to face No. 3 Orestimba on Thursday, May 19 at 4 p.m.