Cougars Drop Tight Road Doubleheader at Modesto

Game 1: Modesto 2, Lassen 1

Lassen opened the second weekend of the season in a tight pitcher’s duel against Modesto on February 6. Both teams were scoreless through three innings as the Cougars continued to rely on strong work in the circle from Lauren Emery. The sophomore right-hander kept Modesto off balance early, limiting hard contact and giving Lassen a chance to strike first.

The Cougars broke through in the fourth inning when Jenna Ku tripled to spark the offense. Jhan’z Kaawa-Kawai followed with a sacrifice fly to bring Ku home, giving Lassen a 1–0 lead. It was one of only three hits on the afternoon for the Cougars, as Modesto’s pitching kept traffic on the bases to a minimum.

Modesto answered in the bottom half of the fourth to tie the game and then capitalized in the fifth, manufacturing a run with timely situational hitting to take a 2–1 lead. Despite putting the ball in play and competing deep into counts, Lassen was unable to generate another scoring opportunity late in the game.

Emery finished with six innings pitched, allowing just five hits and two earned runs while striking out two. The Cougars’ defense remained steady behind her, but the offense couldn’t find the clutch hit needed down the stretch as Lassen fell in a narrow 2–1 decision.

Game 2: Modesto 5, Lassen 1

In the nightcap, Lassen again battled but came up short in a 5–1 loss. The Cougars collected five hits in the contest and showed flashes of offensive rhythm, but Modesto capitalized on key innings to create separation.

Lassen scored its lone run in the third inning when Jenna Ku delivered an RBI single. Emma Wayas crossed the plate after reaching base, giving the Cougars early momentum. Taylor Lauritsen, Lilinoe Kuhaulua-Leong, and Alyssa McOmie each added hits as Lassen continued to put the ball in play.

Modesto responded with a run in the second before breaking the game open with two runs in both the fourth and fifth innings. Timely hitting and productive outs allowed Modesto to extend its lead, while Lassen stranded multiple runners and struggled to deliver the big hit with runners in scoring position.

Abby Lynn went the distance in the circle, throwing six innings and allowing five runs, four earned. Despite the outcome, the Cougars continued to show competitive toughness and steady pitching, with clear areas to build on as they prepare for the next stretch of the season.