For eight years, with nary an apology, the Masuk Panthers have dominated the SWC, winning seven titles since 2017.
In fact, only Newtown’s stunning win in 2023 and the COVID season of 2020 have kept the Panthers from an even more dominant streak.
This year, though, Masuk is ripe to be knocked off. Yet they’re also talented enough to win their ninth straight league championship, as well.
Can third-seeded Masuk keep it’s stranglehold on the SWC, or is this the season that undefeated and No. 1-seed New Milford, who has never even played in a league title game, gets to hoist a trophy high over its players head?
And, of course, nobody can count out ace pitcher Sydney Miller, the CT Softball Blog’s 2026 Preseason Player of the Year, and second-seeded Brookfield, which has beaten Masuk in two of its last three head-to-head meetings.
Fourth-seeded Notre Dame prep and fifth-seeded Newtown are two possible dark horse choices, as well.
Bottom line: We could see a new SWC champion in 2026. But nobody will be surprised if Masuk wins it all again, as well.
Here’s a look at the tournament field:
SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE
SWC QUARTERFINALS
Saturday, May 23
No. 8 New Fairfield at No. 1 New Milford, TBA
No. 5 Newtown at No. 4 Notre Dame Prep, TBA
No. 7 Bunnell at No. 2 Brookfield, TBA
No. 6 Pomperaug at No. 3 Masuk, TBA
SEMIFINALS
Tuesday, May 26
At Deluca Field, Stratford
Games 5 & 7 p.m.
New Milford-New Fairfield winner vs. Notre Dame Prep-Newtown winner
Masuk-Pomperaug winner vs. Brookfield Bunnell winner
CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Thursday, May 28
At Deluca Field, Stratford
Semifinal Winners, 7 p.m.
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