The CIAC released pairings for the softball state tournament Friday. Here is a breakdown of what might occur in the four classes when the tournament begins on Tuesday.

CLASS LL

Overview

Usually one of the more competitive classes, this year is no exception especially with No. 4 Masuk and No. 3 Darien both moving up from Class L this year.

First-round games to watch

No. 20 Cheshire at No. 13 Pomperaug (Tuesday, 4 p.m.): Rams have been playing well down the stretch and are ripe to pull the upset.
No. 21 Trumbull at No. 12 Norwalk (Tuesday, 4 p.m.): These FCIAC rivals meet for the second time this season. Norwalk won the regular season game 8-3 on April 27.

Semifinalists

No. 1 Southington, Masuk, No. 2 Westhill, No. 6 Amity

Champion

Southington over Westhill

Of note: Westhill catcher Elizabeth Joseph suffered a concussion in a FCIAC quarterfinal victory over New Canaan and will miss the rest of the FCIAC tournament (Westhill plays in the semifinals Friday).

CLASS L

Overview

Defending champion Foran is the top-seed and could meet SCC Hammonasset Division rival No. 9 Guilford in the quarterfinals. The two met in the second round last season.  No. 2 Maloney, No. 3 Rockville, No. 4 Torrington, No. 5 Brookfield and No.7 Bethel all have the talent to win in this division.

First-round games to watch

No. 18 East Lyme at No. 15 North Haven (Tuesday, 4 p.m.): North Haven is another SCC team that could do some damage in this class, but the winner here gets Maloney in the second round.
No. 23 Branford at No. 10 Watertown (Tuesday, 4 p.m.): Watertown handed Granby its only loss of the season. The Indians could be a dark horse in this class.

Semifinalists

Foran, No. 5 Brookfield, Bethel, Rockville

Champion

Foran over Rockville

CLASS M

Overview

This class is loaded. Seymour, ranked No. 1 in the Register Top 10 Poll, and newly crowned champions of the NVL, is the top seed. But the draw is not easy. The Wildcats will face either No. 16 East Haven or NVL foe No. 17 Woodland in the second round, then No. 8 Stonington or No. 9 St. Joseph in the quarterfinals. No. 2 Wateford, No. 4 Rocky Hill, No. 5 Law and No. 6 Oxford should all challenge for the title.

First-round games to watch

No. 20 Tolland at No. 13 Haddam-Killingworth (Tuesday, 4 p.m.): H-K hits the ball well and plays solid defense, and should be a tough out for any opponent.
No. 17 Woodland at No. 16 East Haven (Tuesday, 4 p.m.): East Haven upset Law in the SCC quarterfinals. The Easties have the talent to compete with any team in this class when playing their 'A' game.

Semifinalists

St. Joseph (which gets past Stonington in the second round and upsets Seymour in the quarterfinals), Rocky Hill, Waterford, Oxford

Champion

Rocky Hill over Waterford

CLASS S

Overview

Defending champion Hale-Ray is the No. 14 seed and seems to be peaking at the right time, winning four of its last five. No. 2 Coginchaug, No. 6 Morgan and No. 12 Terryville are likely also top contenders in a class filled mainly with technical schools. Hale-Ray, Morgan and Coginchaug, though, are all in the bottom half of the bracket.

First-round games to watch

No. 25 Old Saybrook at No. 8 Canton (Tuesday, 4 p.m.): Old Saybrook made a surprise run to the quarterfinals last season. Can history repeat itself?
No. 19 Coventry at No. 14 Hale-Ray (Tuesday, 4 p.m.): Winner gets No. 3 Goodwin Tech and its junior pitcher Shyleen Ortiz. Goodwin Tech has defeated Shoreline Conference teams Portland and Cromwell already this season

Semifinalists

Canton, No. 5 Stafford, Coginchaug, Morgan

Champion

Coginchaug over Stafford