Cougars Make History: Lassen Softball Earns First Playoff Berth in 19 Years, Claims No. 16 Seed in 3C2A Regionals

For just the third time in program history — and for the first time in 19 years — Lassen College softball is headed to the postseason.

The Cougars capped off a remarkable turnaround season by finishing second in the Golden Valley Conference behind conference champion Feather River College and earning the No. 16 seed in the 2026 3C2A NorCal Regional Playoffs. Throughout the spring, Lassen consistently proved itself as one of the top teams in Northern California, combining explosive offense, strong pitching, and resilient play in big conference moments to secure one of the program’s most historic accomplishments.

Lassen’s season was defined by balance and toughness. The Cougars earned key conference series wins against teams like College of the Redwoods, Butte College, and Yuba College while battling evenly with perennial power Feather River throughout the season. Offensively, the Cougars were led by a dangerous lineup featuring Jhan'z Kaawa-Kawai, Nadia Velazquez, Lilinoe Kuhaulua-Leong, Taylor Lauritsen, and Tristyn Lenz, while Abby Lynn, Lauren Emery, and Ramona Ryder delivered critical performances in the circle all season long.

What makes this accomplishment even more meaningful is the history behind it. Nearly two decades have passed since Lassen softball last reached the postseason, making this year’s team one of the most important groups the program has ever produced. From the opening weeks of conference play, the Cougars established a new standard of competitiveness and consistency that ultimately resulted in one of the best seasons in school history.

The road ahead now brings one of the biggest challenges in California junior college softball. Lassen will travel to face defending state champion and No. 1 overall seed College of San Mateo in the opening round of the NorCal Regional Playoffs. Known as one of the premier offensive teams in the state — especially for its ability to hit home runs up and down the lineup — San Mateo presents a difficult test for the Cougars. But after a historic season filled with milestone moments, Lassen enters the postseason believing it can continue its story against one of California’s powerhouse programs.

For a program that waited 19 years for another postseason opportunity, the Cougars have already cemented themselves as one of the defining teams in Lassen softball history.