South Bay girls soccer teams look forward to the first CIF-SS playoffs

The inaugural CIF-Southern Section girls flag soccer championship will feature South Bay teams in four divisions.

In Division 2, Mira Costa, the Bay League champion, Pioneer League champion Torrance and Redondo, which finished second in the Bay League, each received home games in the first round on Tuesday.

“I’m very happy, it’s a great opportunity to continue our season,” said Mira Costa coach Colin Kaiser. “We have some great competition to compete against, the group looks competitive.”

The Sea Hawks (12-2) host Corona (13-7), the Mustangs (11-4) host St. Mary’s Academy (9-2). The Belles finished second in the Santa Fe League.

“The little I was able to find out about St. Mary’s is that they are a competitive team and have a strong quarterback (Deja Smith) that we have to deal with. Being able to host a game is great and an enrichment for our players.”

Torrance (14-1) will host Rosary Academy.

“Everyone is excited and happy to be in the playoffs,” Torrance coach Kyle Irvine said. “My opinion on games and competitions is that you have to beat your opponents to advance. It doesn’t matter if you play in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th division, you have to focus on this team that day and try to move forward.

“Anyone can be beaten on any given day and my team will be ready on Tuesday.”

The second round will be played on Saturday, followed by the quarterfinals on October 29th, the semifinals on November 2nd and the final on November 9th at Fred Kelly Stadium at El Modena High.

El Segundo (6-4) finished second in the Pioneer League. The Eagles will face Golden League champion Highland in a Division 3 first-round game on Tuesday.

Serra (8-4) will be at home in a Division 4 first-round game. The Cavaliers finished third in the Santa Fe League and will host Windward.

North Torrance (5-5) also has a home game in Division 4. The Saxons, who finished third in the Pioneer League, host Gahr.

Bishop Montgomery (5-4) and Hawthorne (4-4) are in the Division 5 field. The Knights will host La Quinta and the Cougars will play Santiago on the road.

Division 1 consists of 16 teams and the other four divisions consist of 32 teams.