One year later, Redwoods aim to avenge playoff loss to Outlaws

One year after being upset by the Denver Outlaws in the PLL playoffs, the California Redwoods are set to face them again in the quarterfinals this Saturday at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+. During their return to the postseason, the Redwoods aim to learn from their previous loss and mature into a stronger team. Co-captain Brian Tevlin declared that they will be better next year, having increased in maturity and confidence.

Rookie player Josh Balcarcel, who struggled after the loss last year, has sought to understand what went wrong. By analyzing the game, he gathered valuable insights into how the team can improve in high-pressure situations. The Redwoods surged into the playoffs with a three-game winning streak at the end of the 2025 regular season.

They broke through the Outlaws in a thrilling quarterfinal series, ultimately falling short in the semifinals. Balcarcel admitted that he was nervous during the playoff game, the first time he had reached the Final Four level. Despite his nerves, the team played with confidence and dominated the first half, taking an early 6-5 lead heading into halftime.

However, the Outlaws fought back in the second half, ultimately securing the win. The Redwoods now recognize the importance of fast breaks, efficient passing, and teamwork to overcome adversity in playoff games. They intend to focus on improving their offensive game and maintaining their composure under pressure as they prepare to face the Outlaws once more.