The Lumberjack



Students Serving The Cal Poly Humboldt Campus and Community Since 1929

Tag: Softball

  • Humboldt softball finishes season with home win

    Humboldt softball finishes season with home win

    by Jake Knoeller

    Originally printed May 5, 2023

    Spring break was an eventful one for the Cal Poly Humboldt softball team. After winning a non-conference series 3-1 at home against Central Washington University, they then hosted Dominican University of California in a non-conference doubleheader on Wednesday, winning 5-0 and 8-0.

    This led them into the important conference series this past weekend at home against San Francisco State. It didn’t get off to a good start for Humboldt as they lost both games by one run on Friday.

    “I think everyone knew we should have beaten that team the first two games,” said pitcher Alyssa Smokey. 

    There was undoubtedly a different energy in the air on Saturday afternoon, as the Lumberjacks knew the pressure was on them to redeem themselves.

    “I think everyone’s energy changed the morning we walked in, everyone was more focused,” said Smokey. 

    The Jacks came out much stronger, putting on a show and winning 9-3 and 11-1 to split the season series. 

    In the first game, Shelby Shanks had two runs and two hits, while Katlyn Gifford had two hits and two RBI. Smokey led Humboldt’s hitting with three hits and took home the pitching win. In the second game, Shanks and Gifford had three RBI each, Micaela Harris scored three runs, and Ciera Pyle had three runs and two hits. Gaige Garcia took home the pitching win.

    “The senior leadership definitely had an impact on us winning because after the games on Friday, our seniors kind of talked to us,” said catcher and outfielder Julia Rivera. “They focused on the positives of it rather than the negatives, which I think is a big thing with our team.”

    Rivera also mentioned how the team played to have fun on Saturday rather than to win, and this helped them play their game the unique Humboldt way. 

    “If you can trust your teammates off the field, then your relationship on the field is gonna be totally magnified in a way,” said Rivera. “Compared to the rest of the CCAA, we’re different in a good way.”

    The team’s resilience they have shown as of late is something that has been built in and taught by their coaches.

    “This year has thrown us a lot of curveballs,” said head coach Shelli Sarchett. “We talk about it often as taking those curveballs and making them your pitch.”

    Smokey was named CCAA player of the week on Tuesday after an impressive statline over the last few games.

    “It’s an honor, like there’s a lot of good girls out there and I’ve played against some of the best,” said Smokey. “I couldn’t have done it without the rest of my team.”

    Sarchett mentioned Smokey’s continuing high effort in practice as a factor in her recent performances. 

    “She’s been really pushing herself and it’s starting to come into fruition for her and for us,” said Sarchett. 

    A series away from home against Sonoma State, the team ranked first in the conference, approaches for the Lumberjacks on Friday and Saturday at Seawolf Softball Field in Rohnert Park. Humboldt plays Friday at 1 P.M. and 3 P.M. and Saturday at 12 P.M. and 2 P.M.. 

    “I think Sonoma isn’t gonna really know what’s coming in because we’ve worked hard to get to where we are now,” said Rivera. “Sonoma’s gonna be good competition but it’s also gonna be a learning experience for us to pick up on how the top teams play and how we can mimic them in certain ways.”

    Humboldt is currently ranked eighth out of ten after having to play some very tough teams in the conference so far, and they are looked at as the underdog in this game. However, this gives them a nothing-to-lose mentality that can take teams a long way.

    “When you play with that mindset, it really encourages you to have fun,” said Rivera.

  • Cal Poly Humboldt softball alumni return to where it all started

    Cal Poly Humboldt softball alumni return to where it all started

    by Vanessa Saltos

    Ball is pitched. The crack of the bat echoes around the trees. The ball soars through the air and lands in the right center gap. Standing on second base is Izzy Starr clapping her hands and the crowd is cheering.

    “I honestly was kind of nervous, because that’s a hall of famer right there [alumni pitcher Lizzy Prescott], so I was a little nervous,” Starr said. “But I was just excited to be out there amongst all these awesome people, awesome players.” 

    On Oct. 8, the university had its annual Cal Poly Humboldt Softball Alumni Game. This event has been going on since the late 80s and it brings past and present Humboldt softball players together to play the sport they all love.

    Head Humboldt softball coach Shelli Sarchett explains that this event is about connecting the old with the new.

    “It’s really just connecting the old with the new and have a chance for the alumni to talk about their experiences, and the hardships, and the fun that they went through, and relate to the newcomers, and help them with their journey,” Sarchett said. 

    The game started at noon on the Humboldt softball field and went for nine innings. The teams were split with current CPH softball players on one team and alumni on the other. A total of about 25 alumni were in attendance, this is about half compared to years past. According to Coach Sarchett the Hall of Fame Dinner that is the night before typically has an impact on attendance. 

    “It really just depends on the year, I think next year will be different because next year the 2008 National Championship team will go in, so I think there will be more people that will come back,” Sarchett said. 

    For pitcher Emily McAdams, this is her first ever alumni game. She was from the graduating class of 2022. She felt an unsaid pressure due to her playing against her old teammates but enjoyed seeing everyone again. McAdams also had a chance to meet alumni for the first time. 

    “It was really cool cause I honestly didn’t really know any of them since I came here during COVID and I didn’t really know much about Humboldt before I committed here and played here,” McAdams said. “So it was really cool to be able to interact with them, and ask them when they played here and all of that, and just hear about their stories.”

    For Starr it was her second time playing in this event. This is her fourth year at the university. The event allowed her to reconnect with old teammates. 

     “I think my favorite moment was just seeing all my old teammates,” Starr said. “All three of them just made a huge impact on my life, and I just miss seeing them and getting to see them play.”

    The final score was CPH 18, alumni 3.

  • Cal Poly Humboldt plays its last softball game of the series

    Cal Poly Humboldt plays its last softball game of the series

    by Eddie Carpenter

    On April 30, Cal Poly Humboldt Softball played the last two games of their series against Cal State San Marcos. Due to weather conditions, the softball games had to be relocated to the Bear River Recreation Center in Loleta. In the second game, senior pitcher Emily McAdams pitched a five hit complete victory—a 10-2 win in five innings. Humboldt won in terms of run rules.

    McAdams, JoAna Mullins, Megan Holt and Katelyn Dendas were recognized in between games with a Senior Day ceremony.

    “Saturday’s games were a triumph. We came out the first day…with high emotions and excitement to celebrate our seniors and knowing that it would be their last games in Humboldt State uniform,” Dendas said. “Unfortunately, we did lose the first one, but we came back and we took the second from San Marcos.”

    With the Jacks’ 7-29 conference record, they did not make the postseason this year. The team was faced with many challenges this season.

    “We came out pretty hot in San Bernardino— the first series of the conference play. We kind of stutter-stepped for a little bit and we lost a couple series,” Dendas said. “This team is adaptable. We’ve gone through a lot together. We’ve gone through the loss of a teammate and a global pandemic. And we were able to keep pushing and keep trying. Every game was a fight. There was never a sense that…every game would be handed to the team. Even though on record it doesn’t show, there was a lot of heart and dedication throughout the whole season by this team.”

  • Take me out to the ball game

    Take me out to the ball game

    by Gabriel Zucker

    On March 5, the Cal Poly Humboldt softball team held their first home game this year. I was reminded of an easier time, where relaxing to live sports was an everyday escape from the rigor of school and work. During the next couple of hours, I experienced camaraderie, screaming fans and most importantly, tailgate food.

    Photo by Gabriel Zucker | Junior Pitcher, Megan Escobar pitches against Chico State on Saturday

    Walking around the softball diamond, my eyes fell on a group of parents huddled around a BBQ, waiting on the drumsticks to finish cooking. Walking closer and closer to the food I tried to avoid eye contact, instead focusing on taking photographs of the game. Almost immediately, one of the parents called me over.

    Richard Guevara, the father of one of the freshman softball players, yelled out, “Do you like ceviche?”

    Looking over I saw a stocky gentleman, decked out in Humboldt softball gear, a giant smile stretched across his face. He beckoned me over with the promise of ceviche and chicken. Next thing I knew I was talking and laughing with the parents, enjoying their food, and praising the beauty of Humboldt.

    Taking a bite of ceviche now, I’m transported to a time where sports was a shared experience. A time when sports was more than just the game, it was about the connections you made. After taking a moment to relish in the memories, I opened my eyes to a giant smile and a chicken drumstick.

    Sports is never just about the game; it is about the shared experience. At the softball game, a feeling I hadn’t experienced in year swept over me. Screaming fans, a sound I only recently heard in my dreams, washed over me like a wave. My heart flittered and danced, and as the smell of food and freshly cut grass hit me in the face. I stopped to smile.

  • Chico State Softball Dominates Doubleheader vs. Jacks

    Chico State Softball Dominates Doubleheader vs. Jacks

    Chico State softball lived up to the hype in daytime doubleheader

    The Chico State Wildcats got their game going right away in the second inning when, after loading the bases and scoring two runs, third baseman Drew Rodriguez hit a bases-clearing double. The momentum shifted to Chico State in that moment, and they didn’t look back for rest of the day, culminating in back-to-back losses.

    Head Coach Shelli Sarchett reflected on her team’s performance.

    “Our team is too good to be playing the way we’re playing,” Sarchett said. “We’ve got to figure something out. We’ve got to turn it around right now. We have our moments of brightness, but they’re overshadowed by the moments of darkness.”

    Sarchett said their pitching has been struggling and it needs to get better if the team wants to compete.

    In the third inning of the first game, Chico pitcher Brooke Larsen clobbered a two-run home run to left field. The Wildcats followed this up with an onslaught of additional offense.

    Following five straight runners scoring, Rodriguez hit another bases-clearing double in the fourth inning. This felt like the exclamation mark on the game. The mercy rule came into mind as things were falling apart fast.

    Fast forward to the fifth inning Chico had a 17-0 lead. The Jacks didn’t get shut out, though, and managed to squeeze out a run when shortstop Adriana Chavez reached first on an error by Chico shortstop Kristin Worley, and third baseman Izzy Starr scored on an unearned run.

    • Sophomore shortstop Adriana Chavez makes a play during the Jacks game against Chico State on Feb. 22 at HSU Softball Field | Photo by Thomas Lal
    • Junior second baseman Danica Grier slides into third during the second game of a double header against Chico State at HSU Softball Field on Feb. 22 in a game where the Jacks stole 5 bases. | Photo by Thomas Lal
    • Humboldt State outfielder Lauren Lipe runs into to make a catch off of a pop fly during the Jacks game against Chico State on Feb. 22 at HSU Softball Field. | Photo by Thomas Lal

    Unfortunately, the Jacks also ran themselves into an out on the very same play as right fielder Mariah Kalamaras was tagged out at third base to end the game.

    Jacci Crowe notched the only hit for the Jacks.

    The first game was one to forget, but the second game, while also a loss, was more engaging.

    Again, Chico scored first. But rather than fall flat, the Jacks managed to tie the game in their half of the first on a RBI bunt single by junior Danica Grier that scored catcher Micaela Harris.

    Pitcher Lexee Sheiring was a workhorse in the second game, going almost six innings in relief of starting pitcher Megan Escobar, who got tagged with five earned runs early on.

    “I think I just had to take a minute, regroup,” Sheiring said. “Then go out there and really dig through it and be there for my team and show up.”

    After trading runs in the following few innings, Chico blew the game wide open in the seventh when shortstop Karter Williams drove in two with a single and right fielder Amanda Metzger brought in Williams on a two run bomb to right.

    In their last half of the seventh inning, the Jacks put up a fight when Grier drove in Harris and Starr, and first baseman Anna Brondos followed with an RBI single of their own to bring their team within striking distance. But like the first game, Chico pulled out a victory and swept Saturday’s doubleheader.

  • Jacks softball continues late-season streak

    Jacks softball continues late-season streak

    HSU softball beats Dominican University 3-2 and 10-9 in two exciting games

    It was a road doubleheader for the Humboldt State softball team that felt like a home game as Lumberjack fans packed Penguin Field in San Rafael. Powered by the chants of “let’s go Jacks!” and “Huuumboldt” the Jacks were able to take both games against the Dominican University Penguins by scores of 3-2 and 10-9.

    Sunday’s games were a doubleheader that any softball fan (or even a casual supporter) would love. The opener was a pitcher’s duel that stayed deadlocked until the last moments.

    Game two became an emotional rollercoaster. Both offenses trading runs and multiple lead changes between innings.

    The first game of the doubleheader started with the Jacks jumping out to an early lead. Third baseman Haley Suter ripped a line drive single into left field and gave the Jacks the 1-0 lead in the second inning.

    The Jacks needed more offense in the fourth inning and Mariah Tovar delivered with an RBI single. Tovar’s 24th RBI this season tied the game at two.

    In the fifth and sixth innings, the pitchers took over. Jacks pitcher Jasmine Hill and Penguins pitcher Lauren Persi held the bats scoreless. They battled, trying to keep their offense in position to win the game late.

    2d7f688a-8aac-461d-beac-ca1265860cd0.jpg
    Junior outfielder Lauren Lipe scored in the fourth from Mariah Tovar’s single to tie the game at three. | Photo by Matt Shiffler

    The top of the seventh inning and the Jacks looked for the go-ahead run. Freshman shortstop Maddie Allen stayed patient and drew a four-pitch walk. While on first Allen darted for second base getting the steal and put herself into scoring position. The steal was key because second basemen and the team hits leader Danica Grier stepped to the plate.

    Grier worked herself into a 2-1 count and then hit a screaming line drive towards left field. Penguin left fielder Karitza Reyes looked helplessly up into the Bay Area sun as the ball bumped off of the end of her glove and bounced into the wall. This seventh inning run became the deciding factor and the Jacks took game one, 3-2.

    “She left a fat pitch hanging over the plate and I drove it into a spot in deep left field,” Grier said.

    Game two proved to be a game that makes any pitcher wake up in a cold sweat. Several lead changes and the bats started hot. Dominican took an early 2-0 lead in the first, and then HSU would strike back with two runs in the second inning and three runs in the third with help from Haley Suter. Suter knocked in two runners in off her double that bounced in the left-center gap. At the end of the third, the Jacks held the lead 5-2.

    Dominican didn’t back down, in the fourth inning Peyton Mott hit a two-run home run to left field and Mady Christensen hit an RBI double to tie the game 5-5. Dominican would add three more runs in the sixth to make the score 8-5 in favor of the Penguins.

    But these Jacks were not out of the fight. In the top of the seventh and three outs away from losing a tough game, the offense exploded for five runs. Illa Haley hit a two-RBI double and then the go-ahead run scored on a passed ball with Hanna Holland at the plate that got past Penguin catcher Alexis Chinchilla.

    The Jacks would storm back and take a 10-8 lead going into the final frame. Closing out the game would not prove to be easy for Jacks pitcher Lexee Sheiring as she allowed two singles, a walk, and a run. Sheiring eventually settled in, sealed the game, and closed the series. Her final pitch forced a fly out to center field and the Jacks won a stressful 10-9 game.

    “It makes you smile knowing they are going to fight no matter how the season is going or what happened in their last at-bat,” head coach Shelli Sarchett said.

    “We have struggled a bit this year, so every win is awesome, and it felt good to be a major part of it,” outfielder Hanna Holland said.

    The Jacks are currently on a four-game winning streak, improving their record to 15-23. Their next games are this Friday and Saturday back home in Arcata vs. Cal State San Marcos.

  • Jacks swept by Gators in triple-header

    Jacks swept by Gators in triple-header

    HSU softball lost three games on Friday to strong Gators offense

    The Humboldt State softball team struggled to score runs and couldn’t keep the bats of the San Francisco State Gators quiet as the Jacks were swept Friday at McKinleyville High School. The threat of impending rain on Saturday forced the Jacks to play three straight games on Friday, totaling 21 innings of softball and stretching from nine in the morning until five in the evening.

    IMG_9307.jpg
    Illa Haley sprints for a shallow pop fly, snagging the snow cone catch in left field. | Photo by Matt Shiffler

    Playing three straight games in one day might seem like a daunting task, but it didn’t change how the Jacks approached the three games. “It doesn’t change how we play the game,” Outfielder Illa Haley said. “We have to be strong and be tough.”

    Game one was a pitcher’s duel as the Jacks fell to the Gators 2-1. HSU pitcher Lexee Sheiring put up a shutout on the board until the top of the 6th inning, when the Gators were able to deposit two solo home runs over the fence. Sheiring was able to put up good numbers despite having the loss on her record, allowing only two runs on seven hits and only one walk.

    IMG_9265.jpg
    Freshman right handed pitcher Megan Holt settled in during game three. Pitching three innings and only allowing one run against SF State Friday at McKinleyville High School. | Photo by Matt Shiffler

    Sheiring’s effort in the pitcher’s circle was unfortunately bested by SF State pitcher Emily Mitchell, who pitched a complete game and allowed one run on eight hits and struck out five while letting four runners get a free base via the walk. The only offense came from HSU’s power source and designated hitter Rylie Carlier, who crushed a solo home run in her first at-bat of the day.

    Unfortunately for the Jacks, the sleeping beast awoke for the Gators as they beat the Jacks in game two by a score of 13-2. Jacks pitcher Megan Holt struggled in the first inning, only getting one out and allowing seven runs to score on five hits before she was taken out of the game. However, there was a defensive highlight by HSU Right Fielder Lauren Lipe as she snagged a line drive just before it hit the ground and fired the ball to First Baseman Mariah Tovar to double up the baserunner at first.

    IMG_9188.jpg
    Junior outfielder Lauren Lipe singled to right field Friday against SF State Gators. | Photo by Matt Shiffler

    Game three got off to a promising start for the Jacks. Megan Holt started in the circle again and faired much better than her earlier outing, going three innings and allowing one run on two hits. The Jacks would jump out to a 3-1 lead in the third inning as Illa Haley hit a hard line drive triple that would net her two RBI’s. However, Lumberjack pitching would not hold the Gators for long as they scored five runs in the last two innings to win the game 6-3 and complete the sweep.

    Carlier said that since the batters saw the pitchers three times in a row should’ve helped the batter out.

    “But we struggled today,” Earlier said.

    IMG_9140_1.jpg
    Redshirt freshman Taylor Proctor went 2 innings giving up 6 runs for the Lumberjacks on Friday in McKinleyville. | Photo by Matt Shiffler

    The struggle to score runs also put a damper on the team’s mood at the end of the day.

    Head coach Shelli Sarchett said having only five runs in three days is unacceptable. “We’re a better hitting team than that, but it’s early and I hope this lights a fire under everyone’s behinds,” Sarchett said.

    The Jacks will make the long trek down to La Jolla, Calif. to play the 17th ranked UC San Diego Tritons on Friday and Saturday. The next home series is March 8 and 9 against Cal State Dominguez Hills.

  • Jacks drop series to Chico

    Jacks drop series to Chico

    HSU softball swept by Chico State Tuesday afternoon

    The Humboldt State softball team knew they were in for a challenge when they faced the #7 ranked Chico State Wildcats, as they dropped both games on Feb. 19 by scores of 8-3 and 4-2. Originally the two doubleheaders were scheduled on Friday and Saturday afternoons, but due to rain in Chico, the games were moved up to Monday and Tuesday.

    Head coach Shelli Sarchett spoke at the HSU Athletics press conference on Feb. 12.

    “We’re frothing at the mouths to get out there,” Sarchett said. “Especially with Chico being a rivalry weekend, we want to get out there and play them and if it means suffering through some weather then so be it.”

    The Wildcats brought the offense in the first game, scoring eight runs on eight hits throughout the game. The Lumberjacks were held to three runs on six hits, with second baseman Danica Grier knocking in one run on two hits, including an RBI to open the game on a double to right center field in the first inning.

    Unfortunately for the Lumberjacks, the 1-0 lead would not hold for long as Chico State Right Fielder Ari Marsh would tie the game on a single into center field and the Jacks would not lead for the rest of the game.

    The Wildcat offense would not finish there as the Wildcats would score seven more unanswered runs to eventually make the score 8-1 in the fourth inning. In the sixth inning, the Jacks would inch a little bit closer as shortstop Joanna Mullins hit an RBI single into center field to make the score 8-2. The comeback attempt ensued in the seventh and final frame as Third Baseman Rylie Carlier reached on an error to make the score 8-3. Unfortunately, the comeback attempt ended there and that would be the final score of the first game.

    Pitching was the name of the game in the back end of the doubleheader as Chico State pitcher Sam Mulock pitched a complete game, allowing only two runs on six hits. Opposing her was Jacks pitcher Megan Holt who allowed eight hits but only allowed four runs to score. Chico State first baseman Reilani Peleti was the standout player for the Wildcats on offense, getting an RBI single in the fourth inning and an RBI double in the sixth inning to jumpstart the Chico offense. The Jacks were only able to muster two runs on the scoreboard via a Rylie Carlier single and Illa Haley sacrifice bunt against the standout pitching performance by Sam Mulock.

    The sweep by the Chico State over HSU puts the Jacks at a record of three wins and four losses to start conference play, after splitting the doubleheader on Monday. The next home series will be a doubleheader on Friday starting at 12 p.m. and a doubleheader on Saturday starting at 11 a.m. at the HSU softball field in Arcata, weather permitting.

  • Coach Sarchett looks to steer young Jacks into winning tradition

    Coach Sarchett looks to steer young Jacks into winning tradition

    Humboldt State University softball team enters the 2019 season looking to bounce back after a disappointing 20-26 record that led them to miss the post-season for the first time in five years.

    In 2017, the Jacks went 44-15, winning their conference tournament and reaching the NCAA championship round but failed to move on as they placed fifth, getting defeated by Molloy College. The year before that they saw even better numbers as HSU went undefeated in conference play and were one game shy of a national title. On the team there are three all-Americans, eight named all-conference and head coach Shelli Sarchett, named league coach of the year.

    With 2018 behind them, Humboldt State softball looks to prove they still have what it takes to get back to the top.

    “Last year was rough, we graduated our whole infield and pitching staff. At times we played six to seven freshman, and of course, this is difficult because game experience is so important,” head coach Sarchett said. “Part of success for us this season is to make the NCAA tournament but our goal every year at Humboldt State is to win a national championship, it’s been this way for 30 years.”

    The uncertainty of the pitching staff will be a factor in how the 2019 season will play out. Jasmine Hill started 15 games with a 4.68 earned run average or ERA, as the only upper-class pitcher on the roster. There are four incoming freshmen and sophomore leader Lexee Sheiring, who struck out a team-high of 47 batters. Sheiring’s 10-9 record with a 4.51 ERA may improve with the extra year on the mound, as the young staff will try and continue to grow and make an impact on the season.

    The confidence this season is behind the big bats of HSU. Third base Rylie Carlier returns for her senior season. Leading the team in on-base plus slugging, home runs and second in batting average with a .337. Michaela Harris suits up as catcher, bringing her second team all-CCAA honors and a team-leading 27 runs batted in or RBI into 2019.

    “Up and down our lineup they do damage to the ball,” coach Sarchett said. “Always confident on our hitting, we hit and make things happen on the bases.”

    Tough off-season two-a-days mean adjusting the body to the season schedule and ironing out team play. HSU works through drills including positional fielding and base-running strategy. These practices help the team communicate confidently with one another. Young voices get a chance to be heard and talent gets a chance to show they can make the right decisions against the opposition. These drills help coach Sarchett show scenarios the team might encounter during the season.

    “Out here working hard, being hard on each other, and holding ourselves accountable,” coach Sarchett said. “We’re gelling as a family and sacrificing the me for the we.”

    softball player2.jpg Senior outfielder and co-captain #6 Hanna Holland. Photo courtesy by Humboldt State Athletics.

    In the outfield, the Jacks are returning two starters from 2018, two seniors Hanna Holland and Illa Haley. Holland hits a career average of .354 and 76 RBI. Holland also brings her experience to the defense with a solid .951 fielding percentage. For Haley, her ability to get on base last year with a .438 and a .308 average was good enough to earn her second on the team in OB% in 2018. Holland and Haley are co-captains this season bringing the triple threat of bats, fielding, and experience with 311 games between the both of them.

    “Being captain is a big deal and there’s a lot of responsibilities, there’s 30 of us,” Holland said. “Illa and I are like two peas in a pod and we’re going to be locked in out there.”

    HSU opens the 2019 season on Friday, Feb. 1 with the Desert Stinger Tournament in Las Vegas. The tournament will be a great chance to see highly ranked teams outside of the CCAA like Colorado Christian University, who is number eight in the west region Central Washington and southwest central region Colorado Christian University.

    softball player.jpg Senior outfielder and co-captain #13 Illa Haley.
    Photo courtesy of Humboldt State Athletics.

    “Road trips can be brutal especially getting home at 2 in the morning sometimes, but our team clicks this year and our chemistry helps during tournaments,” Haley said. “My goal is to enjoy the season, this is my last and I want to go out having fun with my girls.”

  • Chico brings their brooms to HSU

    Chico brings their brooms to HSU

    The Lumberjacks softball team concluded their four-game series with No. 3 ranked Chico State University on April 21 by taking a pair of losses to complete Chico’s sweep.

    Video by Bailey Tennery.

    The Jacks were shut out in the first game (9-0) in only five innings because of the mercy rule. The game must end if a team is losing by eight or more runs after the fifth inning.

    The second game was more of a slugfest, however, as that ended 16-13.

    Jacks head coach Shelli Sarchett remained optimistic, despite the team’s troubles.

    “This whole weekend I saw a difference in this team and how they reacted to things. They played with a lot of energy,” Sarchett said. “If we’re gonna lose, that’s how I want it to happen.”

    The visiting Wildcats recorded nine runs on 13 hits in the first game. The damage was spread throughout the game, as they tallied three runs in the second, third and fourth innings.

    The win moved Chico State’s winning streak to 18, while the Jack’s losing streak was extended to four games.

    Chico State starting pitcher Haley Gilham (21-2, 1.25 ERA) was locked in all game, as she limited HSU to just three hits over five innings of shutout ball. Jacks starter Jasmine Hill took the loss as she allowed six runs on seven hits to go with five walks.

    When Chico’s Gilham was not on the mound, the Lumberjacks thrived at the plate. The Lumberjacks jumped on Chico State starting pitcher Naomi Monahan (15-1, 2.41 ERA) for three runs in the first.

    The damage came from an RBI double from Hanna Holland, a run-scoring single courtesy of Micaela Harris and a wild pitch.

    Chico State responded with a vengeance in the top half of the second, as they scored seven runs on six hits to take an 8-3 advantage. The Jacks kept fighting though, as they plated a run in the second before a six-run third inning put them in the driver’s seat.

    The Jacks’ lead was short lived as a run-scoring error, and a Wendy Cardinali three-run homer in the next inning, put the Wildcats back on top.

    Jacks first basemen Rylie Carlier continued her power surge with a team-leading eighth home run in the fifth inning.

    Humboldt State softball team played Chico State Wildcats on April 21. Game played at the Lumberjacks home field. HSU’s Winona Vigil (15) running to first base. Final score 9-1. Chico won. Photo by Bailey Tennery.

    HSU’s 1-2-3 hitters in the lineup each finished the game with three hits, and Winona Vigil and Harris each drove in three runs each.

    When talking about her approach at the plate, Harris had a simple answer.

    “I just tried to attack the first pitch, and be aggressive,” Harris said.

    The series sweep moves the Lumberjacks’ CCAA record to 14-16 and 19-25 overall, which puts them in seventh place in the CCAA standings.

    HSU will host Sonoma State University next weekend at HSU Softball Field. The series begins April 27 at 1 p.m.

  • Jacks spring break round-up

    Jacks spring break round-up

    Jacks Softball

    The Jacks softball team had its seven-game win streak come to an end on March 18 after dropping a doubleheader versus Cal State East Bay. East Bay dominated the third game of the series 15-1 in five innings and took game four of the series 4-3 in extra innings.

    Jacks senior pitcher Jasmine Hill took the loss in the second game of the afternoon. She logged 8.2 innings and allowed 12 hits and four runs, three of which were earned runs.

    The day prior, the Jacks won both games of the doubleheader and head coach Shelli Sarchett notched her 200th career win. Sarchett has guided the Jacks to the NCAA National Championships in each of the last two seasons and finished one win shy of the program’s third title in 2016. She is one of the NCAA West Region’s most decorated coaches and has led the National Fast-pitch Coaches Association Regional Staff of the Year in 2016 and 2017.

    Jacks softball head coach Shelli Sarchett collected her 200th career victory on March 17 against Cal State East Bay. Photo by Stephen Ellis.

    HSU moved to 14-11 overall and 10-8 in conference play with the losses. Their next home game is scheduled for April 20 against Chico State.

    Jacks Track and Field

    Jacks long distance runners had a successful day at the Hornet Invite in Sacramento on March 17. Three different runners from HSU achieved provisional qualifying marks in their events.

    Jacks senior Annie Roberts finished first in the women’s 5k with a time of 17:13.75. Her time marks the third best all-time for HSU. Roberts finished a full 11 seconds ahead of the next runner to cross the finish line.

    “[Roberts] took the bull by the horns and went for it,” head distance coach Jamey Harris said. “It was a tough effort and a very mentally strong performance.”

    Jacks senior distance runner Annie Roberts (3) finished first in the Women’s 5k with a time of 17:13.75 at the Hornet Invite in Sacramento on March 17. Her time is the third best in HSU history. Photo by Josh McKinney.

    Jacks freshman Brayden Leach crossed the finish line in the men’s 800m at 1:51.13, which is just under the provisional qualifying mark of 1:52.16.

    The Jacks third runner to qualify with a provisional time was senior Dustyn Salomon. Salomon ran the steeplechase in 9:05.23 and finished fourth place overall.

    “He ran a solid race and he can definitely run faster,” coach Harris said. “This is his first steeplechase of the season and the result is very encouraging.”

    The Jacks look to build on their success in the next meet. They play at home for the Humboldt Invite on March 24 at the Redwood Bowl.

     

  • Jacks softball splits doubleheader against Stanislaus State

    Jacks softball splits doubleheader against Stanislaus State

    Fridays have been a problem for Humboldt State softball this season. In their first two series this year, they are 4-0 on Saturdays, but 0-4 on Fridays.

    Saturday’s games were cancelled this week due to incliment weather, making their third attempt at a Friday win even more crucial.

    The third time was the charm.

    The Lady Jacks won their first game 2-1. They followed that up with a tough 4-1 loss in the second game.

    “We tried to treat our Fridays like our Saturdays,” head coach Shelli Sarchett said. “We started off that way, but then we rested on that first win and didn’t take that intensity and focus into the second game.”

    HSU pitcher Lexee Sheiring threw an absolute gem in the first game, as her only hiccup across seven one-run innings was a solo home run in the fifth inning.

    That home run tied the game at one, but the home team would respond.

    Hannah Holland started the eventual game-winning rally in the bottom half of the inning. She reached first base on an error by the Stanislaus State shortstop. Holland would later be brought home on a single by Winona Vigil.

    Back-to-back two-run innings to start the second game put the Jacks in too big of a hole to overcome. The Jacks had a tough time getting runners on base, as they were held to just six hits.

    Their biggest scoring threat came in the third inning as they loaded the bases with only one out in the inning. Holland singled in Humboldt’s only run of the game with one out, and it looked like they had the momentum they needed to make a comeback.

    Unfortunately for the Jacks, opposing pitcher Megan Stacy got out of the jam with only one run allowed and never looked back from there.

    Stacy had Humboldt hitters looking puzzled throughout the game as she struck out seven batters during her complete game.

    “She was very much in control that game,” Holland said. “We had a tough time figuring her out. She had a really good rise-ball.”

    The series split moves the Lady Jack’s record to 7-8 overall, with a 5-5 record within the California Collegiate Athletic Association. They will play their next series this weekend at Cal State San Marcos.

     

     

  • HSU softball splits series against UC San Diego

    HSU softball splits series against UC San Diego

    Softball stays undefeated on Saturdays.

    Danica Grier sent a pitch into shallow center field that allowed Illa Haley to round third base and slide home for the game-winning run in extra innings for the first of two wins against University of California, San Diego on Feb. 17.

    “It was good competition, but we came back and performed the way we should every game. We’re strong and we work together,” Haley said.

    The Humboldt State University softball team went 2-2 in a four-game series against UCSD that started on Feb. 16 in the softball field. HSU lost the first two games on Friday, then turned around and came away with two wins on Saturday.

    HSU is now 0-4 on Fridays and 4-0 on Saturdays since starting play against California Collegiate Athletic Association opponents on Feb. 9.

    Shelli Sarchett, head coach of the HSU softball team, said that good things come when the players trust in themselves and their teammates.

    “Our Fridays are rough, but it shows the fortitude that these ladies have. Just because we’re beat and facing adversity–they’re going out there and not quitting,” Sarchett said. “They’re showing they can play the game of softball.”

    Jasmine Hill pitched seven scoreless innings in relief work for HSU throughout the games on Saturday, picking up the wins in both contests.

    “I saw a lot of team effort. I saw us come together as a family, finally gel and find that connection,” Hill said after the first win. “It was great. It was a great moment, a great experience.”

    UC San Diego head coach Patti Gerckens said that due to a couple missed spots by their pitchers, Humboldt had some hard hits on Saturday.

    “It was very disappointing,” Gerckens said. “I thought we would come away with one game today, if not two.”

    The HSU and UCSD softball teams now have a 4-4 record in the CCAA after the weekend. The same as two other teams, California State University, East Bay and San Francisco State University.

    On Feb. 23 and Feb. 24 the softball team will host a four-game series against California State University, Stanislaus.

  • Softball team looking to strike in CCAA

    Softball team looking to strike in CCAA

    Fresh off of a devastating defeat in last year’s Division II National Championship tournament, the young Humboldt State softball team is looking to make a statement as the 2018 season begins.

    The Jacks were 44-15 overall last season and boasted a 22-11 record within the CCAA conference, which was good for third place. However, the women’s season came to a close with a 5-1 loss to Armstrong State University.

    Despite losing their entire infield to graduation, there is certainly reason for optimism in the 2018 season for the Jacks as they have an impressive new group of starters.

    The team was ranked third in the California Collegiate Athletic Association Coach’s Poll.

    This Jacks team has not necessarily gotten off to the start that they wanted as they are 4-5 after going 2-2 in a four-game series against Cal State Dominguez Hills.

    The Jacks lost their first two games of the series in a doubleheader on Friday by the scores of 5-0 and 9-6. However, on Saturday they responded by winning 4-2 and 13-9 in that order.

    The Jacks may have found their stroke during the latter game of their doubleheader, as they exploded for 19 hits and 13 runs against Dominguez Hills despite being down 9-5 going into the top of the seventh inning.

    The Jacks put up eight runs in the last inning and were led by third basemen Rachel Barker, who went 4 for 4 with a home run and four RBI.

    “Every game we’ve played we’ve gotten better.” Barker said. “Now that we’ve played with each other we know how to motivate each other, so it shouldn’t be too hard to get (our record) under control.”

    However, the inning started with designated hitter Micaela Harris doubling in the left-center field gap.

    “I think I started the hype of the inning,” Harris said.

    The Jacks will look to use the hype from that magical seventh inning to propel them up the standings in the coming weeks.

    They will start a four-game series with UC San Diego on Friday, as they play their first game of the series at noon, followed by game two at 2 p.m. The series will conclude on Saturday, with game three being played at 11 a.m. and game four at 1 p.m.

    In their series last year, the Jacks split the four-game set with the Tritons down in San Diego. The Jacks will hope that the cold, cloudy weather of Arcata will give them the advantage they need to take the series this time around.

    Despite the sluggish start, the Humboldt State softball team is hungry and has the momentum that is crucial in having a successful season.

  • Jacks Pass

    Jacks Pass

    By Jacks Pass

    Softball – Humboldt State Softball Is in the Top 5 of the Division II National Fastpitch Softball Rankings. Sitting in third place of the California Collegiate Athletic Association. The Jacks split day two’s doubleheader with Sonoma State Saturday afternoon. HSU fell to the Seawolves 3-1 in game one and captured its first victory of the series in game two 7-1.

    With the game two win the Lumberjacks improve to 33-11 overall and 21-10 in CCAA action. The Seawolves now sit at 35-15 overall and 25-11 in California Collegiate Athletic Association play.

    Humboldt State concludes its regular season next weekend with a four-game homestand versus Cal State Monterey Bay.  

    Track and Field – Humboldt State track and field hit national qualifying marks and set personal records against regional competition during Saturday’s Border Battle held in Redwood Bowl.

    The HSU women had a successful day with many strong performances. Marissa McCay, Ellie Earle-Rouse, and Brailee VandenBoom swept the women’s high jump. McCay continues to improve and she finished with her personal best 5-10 in the high jump, hitting the national automatic qualifying mark. Freshman Earle-Rouse also recorded a personal best jump to finish second. Her mark of 5-7.75 is a national provisional qualifying mark, which ties her for 11th in nationals.

     

    In the throws, Ariel Oliver moved to eighth in the nation in discus with a new personal record of 49.40m, and she secured her spot at Nationals. Oliver also took first in the shot put (13.86m) and fifth in the hammer throw. Ashley Ross recorded a personal best of 33.69m, giving her a first place finish in the javelin.

    Humboldt State senior Marissa McCay was named the California Collegiate Athletic Association Field Athlete of the Week after her record-breaking performance on Saturday.
    McCay earned a national automatic qualifying mark as HSU swept the Women’s high jump at the Border Battle. Her jump of 5’10” is a personal best and further solidifies her HSU All-Time record, which she last set on March 18th at the Hornet Invite.

  • Jacks Pass

    Jacks Pass

    By Keaundrey Clark

    No.1 HSU Softball Splits  first 2 games of 4 game Series with No.13 Chico State

     

    No.1 Humboldt State Softball returned home for a four game series against No.13 Chico State. Postponed earlier in the season due bad weather conditions. They played this game in McKinleyville. HSU split its first day doubleheader against No.13 Chico State Monday afternoon. Chico State took game one 2-0, while HSU bounced back claiming game two 10-4. The Wildcats have a two game lead in conference play over the Jcks.

    In the loss Madison Williams was very solid in the circle for the Jacks as she only allowed 4 hits while striking out ten batters on her way to her 15th complete game of the season.

    In Game two Kalyn Paque improved to 13-2 on the season, completing her 8th complete game of the year.

    The second back to back games of the doubleheader were cancelled because of rain.

    HSU finished the homestand  29-8 overall with a conference record of 17-7.  

    For both HSU, pitching has been a strong point this season. HSU leads the conference in strikeouts with 214 while allowing the second least amount of earned runs, giving up 67 in 35 games. The Jacks also rank third in the conference with a team ERA of 2.03

     

    Rowing Ranked No. 2 First West Region Poll

     

    Humboldt State Women’s Rowing debuted at No. 2 across the board in the first Division II West Regional ranking on Tuesday. HSU sits behind Western Washington who captured the number one across the board.

    The Lumberjacks are back in action at the Covered Bridge Regatta in Eugene, Ore. April 15.

     

    HSU Track and Field dominates Chico Distance Carnival and Twilight Invitational

     

    Humboldt State’s Track and Field team had strong showing at the Chico Distance Carnival and Twilight Invitational on both the men and women’s side Saturday.

    Ariel Oliver had a strong performance in shot put and discus. HSU dominated  shot put as Oliver placed first with a distance of 13.83m and teammates Lily Bankas and Marissa McCay came in second and third with throws of 12.28m and 12.16m.

    HSU also had four of the top six spots in the discus as Oliver placed first again. Eliana Campos finished second, Ashley Ross fifth and Lily Bankas sixth. Alyssabeth DeJerez, Marissa McKay, and Ellie Earle-Rouse all matched National provisional marks in the 200, long jump, and high jump respectively.

    On the men’s side Tiegan Eilers had a PR in the discus with a throw of 36.89m. Dustyn Salomon looked strong winning his heat in the 800m, while Daniel Tull placed 3rd in the Invitational Mile. Calvin Herman placed second in the 400m Hurdles, and Mario Kaluhiokalani ran a fast 110m hurdle race earning himself a spot in finals.

    Track and Field travels to Long Beach, Calif. 4/13-4/15 for its next meet.

     

  • Softball Field Inaccessible

    Softball Field Inaccessible

    By Danny Dunn

    One of the greatest aspects of playing sports is the ability to play in front of a home crowd. Unfortunately, Humboldt State’s top rated softball team has not been able to play a single game this season on their own home field.

     

    The team had to play their last home series in McKinleyville located about 5 miles north of Humboldt State University.  

    This did not prevent fans from coming out and showing their support for the softball team. Sydney Roberts, who plays second base for the Lumberjacks, said fans had

    creative ways to come out and watch the team.

    “In McKinleyville we had people ride up on horses to come watch our game,” Roberts said. “Locals love us, they support us, and we cannot have their support if we cannot play at home.”

    Roberts spoke on whether the team will be able to even play a home game at Humboldt this season.  

    “We cannot if it rains two days in a row at Humboldt,” Roberts said. “We are hoping to play our first home game against Chico on April 10th…we have already had to reschedule twice already with them.”

    Roberts went on to say how she would like to play at least a couple of home games at HSU in her senior year, and considering that the softball team is one of the winning teams on campus it would be great to play at home for the fans to see.

    “We do not lose at home,” Roberts said. “But we do not get the opportunity everyone else gets playing on their home field…it is harder to keep yourself pumped up when you do not have that home field advantage.”

    Breonna Bejaran, who plays catcher and 1st base for the lumberjacks, says that playing at home can really energize the squad.

    “We really feed off of the home crowd energy,” Bejaran said. “Something should have been done along time ago with the success of our team, not just this team, but past teams also…there  should be a field that is playable for us in Humboldt County…I would love to play here as senior at least once.”

    Pitcher Madison Williams expresses her feelings about not being able to play at home.

    “It is definitely frustrating having to play all of our games on the road,” Williams said. “But we cannot control the weather…Our home field is in bad condition and it would be dangerous to play on right now.”

     

  • Jacks Pass

    Jacks Pass

    By | Keaundrey Clark

    Softball – After five consecutive weeks in the number one spot, Humboldt State softball dropped to No. 4 in the latest National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division II Top 25 Coaches Poll.

    The Lumberjacks are 21-4 overall and 14-4 in CCCAA play after dropping three out of four games at Cal State San Bernardino this past weekend.

    HSU has a bye this week before it resumes play at the Tournament of Champions in Turlock, Calif., March 31 when they take on Hawaii Pacific. The Jacks have yet to play a home game at their softball field due to bad conditions.

    Rowing – Humboldt State rowing had a very successful showing in Saturday’s Blue Heron Regatta. The Blue Heron Regatta featured HSU, Cal Maritime, Chico State and Mills College.

    The Lumberjacks got off to a great start, when their A and B teams took home first and second place in the Women’s Varsity Eight. HSU’s A team finished with a time of 7:05, while the B team completed the race right behind them with a time of 07:11.7.

    HSU saw the same results in the Novice Four when its A and B teams took home first and second place, respectively, with times of 7:39.5 and 7:58.8.

    The Jacks are back in action next weekend when they travel south to participate in the San Diego Crew Classic.

    Track and Field – Humboldt State senior Alyssabeth DeJerez was named the California Collegiate Athletic Association Female Track Athlete of the Week two weeks in a row after record-breaking performances the last 3 weeks.

    The senior earned an automatic qualifying mark when she finished first in the 400m hurdles on Saturday. Her performance resulted in a career best time of 58.84, strengthening her number one ranking in the all-time program record book.

    DeJerez was named Athlete of the Week for the first time this season on March 7 after earning a provisional qualifying mark with a 54.96 finish in 400m dash at the Kim Duyst Invitational.

    Earlier this season teammate  Ariel Oliver was named Athlete of the Week Oliver snagged victories in the shot put and discus at the Chico State-hosted Wildcat Invitational earlier in the year.

    Her distances of 14.17m (shot put) and 46.33m (discus) were both provisional qualifiers for the 2017 NCAA Track and Field Championships.

    Oliver leads the nation in the shot put and ranks third in the discus.

  • Jacks Win Streak Snapped by Coyotes

    Jacks Win Streak Snapped by Coyotes

    By | Andre Hascall

    Back to back doubleheaders against Cal State San Bernardino snaps Humboldt Softball’s seven game winning streak. The team had to play in high temperatures in San Bernardino, a harsh difference from Arcata weather. Humboldt Softball is ranked at the top of the CCAA conference. Out of four games this weekend, Humboldt took home one victory. The Lumberjacks are now 14-4 in conference play.

    Senior pitcher Madison Williams, who is still currently leading the conference in batters struck out, added 12 strikeouts to her resume this past week. She now leads the CCAA in strikeouts with 100 in total, 27 more than the second highest.

    “We can be beat by anyone. For me it’s all about improvement, when you go 11-0… you feel like no one can beat you,” Williams said.

    The Jacks had been successful through their first 11 games of the season making them top ranked in the conference at the time.

    With the losses aside, Humboldt ended Sunday on a high note earning their only win of the weekend.

    Second baseman, Sydney Roberts, played a big role in the team’s win this weekend both at bat and on the field.

    “Every ball that came to me just got stopped,” Roberts said. “I feel like I did well. A hit went between Bre [Bejaran] and I, and I dove on it, got up on my knees and threw it to first.”

    Roberts was not the only player who played well in the game. As catcher, Breonna Bejaran hit two home runs in the last game of road trip. Those two home runs tied Bejaran for first in home runs in the CCAA  with nine on the season. She is also first in slugging percentage with .800, slugging percentage being the amount of bases gained by one person divided by the number of times that person is at bat.

    “I was just looking for a base run and it came to me,” Bejaran said.

    Before Bejaran’s second home run, there was a controversy with an interference call that the umpire overturned.

    “I knew the pitcher was coming for me and I had to swing,” Bejaran said.

    Photo by | Andre Hascall

    Even with the tough weekend considered, the Jacks must look forward as the championship tournament is no longer far off in the distance.

    Yesterday at the weekly sports conference at HSU the team’s head coach, Shelli Sarchett, spoke on her team’s recent shortcoming against CSU San Bernardino.

    “Half this team knows what it takes the get there, and we are not doing that. We are going to get refreshed and focused, obviously our focus is the national championship, but how are we going to get there, ride on what we’ve always done or strive to get better,” Sarchett said.

  • Humboldt State Softball Pitcher threw a no-hitter on March 6 against Cal State East Bay.

    Humboldt State Softball Pitcher threw a no-hitter on March 6 against Cal State East Bay.

    By Curran Daly

    Maddison WIlliams threw a no hitter in a 6-1 win over Cal State East Bay on Monday.

    Cal State East Bay first batter reached second base on a Lumberjack error, which doesn’t count as a hit. The baserunner then made their way to third after a ground out. Finally they came home on a wild pitch. That sequence left the Lumberjacks trailing 1-0 but meant that Williams hadn’t let up a hit.

    After the sequence Head Coach Shelli Sarchett saw Williams go to work to keep Humboldt in the game.

    “Maddy was just really being her typical maddy. East Bay, looking on paper, they have a really good hitting team.” Coach Sarchett said, “She continued to keep them off balance with her off speed and down pitches.”

    Williams went on to strike-out seven East Bay hitters throughout the game. Keeping Humboldt in the game until a third inning run could tie the game. The game stayed tied until the seventh inning when Humboldt scored five runs to win the game 6-1.

    Williams realized how well she was pitching in the third inning and knew what she had to do to keep her team in the game.

    “I was thinking to myself, I’m not gonna let them score again, if they get on base,” Williams said, “I’m not gonna let them get a hit off of me, I’m not gonna let them beat me on my best pitch.”

    The no-hitter came after Williams and Humboldt first loss of the season to Stanislaus State on March 4.

    “After coming off a loss, her first loss of the season, she really buckled down,” Coach Sarchett said, “she came back and threw the game that we know that Maddy is capable of.”

    This was Williams second no-hitter of her career at Humboldt State. Hard-work throughout her four years have prepared her according to her pitching coach, Hannah Jones.

    “Her hard work, determination, and focus sets her apart from the competition,” Jones said, “and it has been a joy to witness her growth over the years.”

    Hard work pays off and Williams recognizes that time spent during practice and in the offseason helped her grow into the pitcher she is this season for the Lumberjacks.

    “It’s really cool, like having all my hard work pay off,” Williams said, “what you do in practice really does make a difference in the game and it just feels really good that i can help my team out.”

    In typical softball and baseball fashion no one mentioned the potential no-hitter to Williams during the game. Coach Sarchett was surprised to see after the game that Williams had pitched a no-hitter.

    “Maddy comes up to me after the game and said ‘Did i throw a no hitter?’” after looking down at her clipboard Coach Sarchett said, “yup, you did.”

    The Lumberjacks hope to host Cal State Dominguez hills this weekend it what would be their first home game. Due to wet conditions and their normal field being unplayable, the games may be held at Mckinleyville High School. As of right now the games are scheduled for noon and 2 p.m. friday and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. saturday.

  • Jacks Pass (March 1 to March 7)

    Jacks Pass (March 1 to March 7)

    By Keaundrey Clark

    Jacks Pass

    Men’s Basketball

    Sophomore Tyras Rattler Jr. was named to the All-CCAA Second Team. Nikhil Lizotte and Malik Morgan was named to the Honorable Mention Team. Rattler started all 29 games for the Lumberjacks this season as a redshirt sophomore. He led the Green and Gold with 13.9 points per game, shot 81.6 percent from the free-throw line and swiped a team-high 37 steals. He was also the team’s second-leading rebounder averaging 5.9 a game. Rattler reached double-digit scoring totals 21 times this season.

    Lizotte also started all 29 games this season finishing second in both points (13.8) and assists (2.1) per game in his sophomore campaign. He was a sharpshooter from outside the arc and led the Jacks in 3-pointers made with 75. Lizotte scored 10 or more points in 20 of HSU’s 29 games this season.

    For the third year in a row Malik Morgan was an All-CCAA selection. His freshman season landed him both Freshman of the Year and Second Team All-CCAA honors. Morgan earned First Team All-CCAA accolades in his sophomore campaign. The junior point guard averaged 11.7 points per game while leading the Jacks in assists with 3.8 per game.

    Women’s Basketball

    Freshman Tyra Turner (3) brings the ball up court in a game at the Humboldt State arena. | Alexandria Hasenstab

    Humboldt State’s Tyra Turner was named CCAA Freshman of the Year. She is the first HSU Women’s Basketball player to earn the award. Teammate Catherine Rees was named to the ALL-CCAA Honorable Mention team. Turner was the conference leader in minutes played (38.3) and led the Lumberjacks with 11.8 points and 4.6 assists per game. She played in all 27 games, and she scored in double figures 14 times.

    The San Bernardino, Calif., native becomes the first HSU player to earn CCAA Freshman of the Year honors. The last Lumberjack women’s basketball player to earn a Freshman of the Year award was HSU Hall of Famer Nicole Lynch (2001-02), who competed during the program’s run as a member of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.

    Rees was the Jacks’ top long-range shooter and an impact player on both ends of the court. She finished the season with a team-high 63 treys, and she connected on 34.8 percent of her attempts from outside the arc. The Paradise, Calif., product averaged 9.5 points per game and ranked second on the team with 21 steals.

    Softball

    The number one team in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Humboldt State took all four games against the Stanislaus State. Sitting at 14-1. The Jacks have rolled through their competition, All-American Madison Williams is 7-1 with a 1.10 era. She has 62 strikeouts already. Williams tossed her second career no-hitter  as Humboldt State swept a doubleheader against Cal State East Bay on Monday. Senior First Baseman Breonna Bejaran leads the Jacks with 5 home runs. Senior Second Baseman Tiffany Hollingsworth and Sophomore Shortstop Illa Haley are tied for the team lead with 12 RBIS.  

    Track and Field

    Humboldt State shot putter Ariel Oliver broke the program record and earned NCAA provisional marks in the process at Kim Duyst Invitational. With a throw of 47’3.50’, she broke Barbara Weavers’ throw of 41’1.50’. A mark that had stood since 1999. Alyssabeth DeJerez ran a 24.8 in the 200m. Her personal best and a time good enough for second all-time at HSU. She was named the CCAA Female Athlete of the Week. 

  • Jack’s Pass (Feb. 22 to Feb. 28)

    Jack’s Pass (Feb. 22 to Feb. 28)

    By | Keaundrey Clark

    Men’s Basketball

    Humboldt State men’s basketball closed out the regular season with a home loss, 88-74, to San Francisco State.  Freshman Tyler Green had a career-high 28-points. Green finished the game with eight treys, two shy of matching Issac Gildea’s single-game record of 10. Despite Saturday’s loss, the Lumberjacks clinched a spot in the California Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament. HSU will travel to face No. 1 seed UC San Diego next Tuesday in RIMAC Arena.

    Women’s Basketball

    Humboldt State women’s basketball ended the 2016-17 season on a high note with a strong performance in Saturday’s 58-51 win over San Francisco State. Juniors Mikaela Shannon, Ashlynn Cox, and Kindall Murie all scored in double figures for the Jacks. Shannon scored 14 second half points to turn the tide in the Jacks’ favor. She finished with a career-high 17 points.

    Softball

    Humboldt State’s softball team is the number one team in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. Humboldt took all four games against the San Francisco State Gators. The Lumberjacks dominated with a 18-4 advantage. Senior All-American Madison Williams  recorded two wins. She went 16 innings and had 22 strikeouts over her two starts.

  • Jacks Pass

    Jacks Pass

    By Keaundrey Clark

    Jacks Pass

    Men’s Basketball

    Malik Morgan his 1,000th point as a Lumberjack  as Humboldt State men’s basketball lost to Cal State Dominguez Hills, 66-64 Saturday in Lumberjack Arena.

    Morgan accounted for nine of the Jacks’ last 11 points, including a bucket that tied the game at 64-64. He had a team-high 13 points on 6-of-7 shooting to go with three assists.

    Toros Senior Justin Sadler shot over the outstretched arms of Calvin Young II with two seconds left in regulation to seal the Toros victory. Sadler led all scorers with 24 points.

    HSU hosts Holy Names in a non-conference showdown Monday at 7 p.m.

    Women’s Basketball

    Double figures from from Ashlynn Cox and Tyra Turner  helped Humboldt State women’s basketball snap its three-game losing-streak  and top Cal State Dominguez Hills, 70-57, Saturday night in Lumberjack Arena.

    Back-to-back 3-pointers from Cox and Tyra Turner in the final two minutes  of the third quater helped HSU cling to a 46-45 advantage heading into the fourth quater.

    Turner was the game’s top scorer and finished with 20 points on 6-of-10 shooting. She went 7-for-7 at the free-throw line and dished out a team-high five assists. Cox added 18 points, including four 3-pointers and a game-high four steals, and Lynnzy  Troxell finished with 11 off the bench.

    The Green and Gold host Cal Poly Pomona on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 5:30 p.m. Fans are invited to wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness, and the game will also be Family Fun Night.

    Softball

    The Humboldt State softball team closed out the Desert Stinger Tournament with a 6-1 victory over Minot State en route to a Tournament title.

    The Jacks  scored a combined 55 runs in the tournament and ace Madison Williams was dominant with  a complete game, allowed just one run and had nine strikeouts. Williams finished the tournament 3-0 with 21 strikeouts.

    Williams and Illa Haley were both named to the All-Tournament Team, and Tiffany Hollingsworth was tabbed the Desert Stinger Tournament MVP. Hollingsworth finished with 9 runs batted in and 3 Homeruns. Haley had 10 RBIS.

    Senior Kalyn Paque went 2-0 with 11 strikeouts. Junior Winona Vigil had 2 home runs and 9 RBIS. Senior  Breonna Bejaran recorded 2 home runs and 7 RBIS in the desert.

    HSU returns to the North Coast and is scheduled to host Chico State in a four-game series beginning Friday. The first pitch for the home opener is scheduled for noon.