Cougars Sweep Redwoods Behind Big Hits and Dominant Pitching
Lassen College continued its strong conference run on April 14 with an impressive road sweep over College of the Redwoods at Bear River Casino in Loleta. The Cougars used timely offense, strong pitching performances, and aggressive play throughout the day to earn 6-3 and 4-1 victories while continuing to build momentum late in the season.
Kaawa-Kawai’s Three-Run Blast Powers Cougars in Opener
Lassen struck first in game one and never surrendered control thanks to another explosive performance from Jhan'z Kaawa-Kawai. The Cougar slugger launched a three-run home run in the third inning to give Lassen an early cushion and set the tone for a 6-3 victory.
Nadia Velazquez and Lilinoe Kuhaulua-Leong sparked the offense at the top of the lineup, combining for five hits and three runs scored. Kuhaulua-Leong added an RBI, while Tristyn Lenz collected two more hits to continue her hot stretch at the plate. Zoey Heffelfinger also came through with a key RBI double in the sixth inning to help extend the Cougar lead.
Lauren Emery earned the complete-game victory in the circle, battling through seven innings against a Redwoods lineup that collected nine hits. After Redwoods trimmed the lead to 5-3 in the sixth inning, Emery settled back in and closed the door while Lassen answered immediately with an insurance run in the seventh. The Cougars once again showed their ability to respond under pressure and finish games strong.
Abby Lynn Dominates as Lassen Completes the Sweep
Game two featured another outstanding pitching performance from Abby Lynn, who tossed a complete-game gem to lead Lassen to a 4-1 win and complete the sweep. Lynn allowed just one run on five hits while not issuing a single walk, keeping Redwoods off balance all afternoon.
Offensively, the Cougars continued to manufacture runs with timely hitting and aggressive baserunning. Tristyn Lenz delivered another clutch RBI single, while Zoey Heffelfinger added an RBI knock in the second inning. Emma Wayas contributed with an RBI walk, and Nadia Velazquez continued to create pressure at the top of the order, scoring twice in the victory.
Taylor Lauritsen and Jhan'z Kaawa-Kawai each added key hits as Lassen once again capitalized on defensive miscues by Redwoods. Even when the offense was not overpowering, the Cougars consistently found ways to create scoring opportunities and execute in big moments. Behind strong pitching, disciplined defense, and balanced offense, Lassen completed another important conference sweep and continued strengthening its postseason résumé.