Yetis Softball Dominates Catawba Valley in Doubleheader Sweep

HICKORY, N.C. – The Cleveland Community College softball team continued their dominant season with a doubleheader sweep against Catawba Valley Community College. The victories extended Cleveland's record to an impressive 15-1 overall and 5-0 in conference play, while Catawba Valley remains winless at 0-14 (0-7 conference).

Game 1: Cleveland Explodes Late in 10-1 Rout

The opening game started off as a tight contest, with Catawba Valley striking first in the second inning. A stolen base by A. Cutter led to an unearned run when Cleveland's catcher committed an error, allowing C. Dean to cross home plate.

Cleveland responded in the fourth inning, tying the game on a single from Jaylen Ledbetter before taking a 2-1 lead on a double from Peyton Whitson. From there, the visiting team took control, scoring eight more runs over the final two innings.

A pair of home runs in the sixth inning from Sayge Strange and Sara Rose Warlick highlighted Cleveland's offensive explosion, sealing the 10-1 victory.

Standout Performances:

• Cleveland's Offense:

  • Sara Rose Warlick (2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI)
  • Austyn Dixon (3-for-4, 2 RBI)
  • Sayge Strange (HR, 2 RBI)
  • Peyton Whitson (2-for-4, 2 RBI)

• Pitching Excellence:

  • Christian Beaver (6.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 6 K) – Improved to 8-0 on the season

Cleveland's offense tallied 15 hits, while their pitching limited Catawba Valley to just two hits across six innings.

Game 2: Cleveland Edges Catawba Valley in 2-1 Pitching Duel

The second game of the doubleheader proved to be a much closer affair, with both teams locked in a tight battle. Cleveland once again took the lead first, scoring in the third inning on a sacrifice fly by M. Norman.

Catawba Valley responded in the fifth inning when A. Culberson reached base and later scored on an outfield error, tying the game at 1-1. However, Cleveland regained the lead in the sixth, capitalizing on a passed ball that allowed Peyton Whitson to score the go-ahead run.

Key Performances:

• Cleveland's Pitching:

  • Sayge Strange (7.0 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 K) – Earned his seventh win of the season

• Offensive Leaders:

  • Peyton Whitson (3-for-4, 1 run, SB)
  • Jaylen Ledbetter (1-for-2, 1 run, 2 SB)

Despite being outhit 8-7, Cleveland capitalized on defensive miscues and timely hitting to escape with the 2-1 victory.

Cleveland Continues to Dominate Conference Play

With the sweep, Cleveland softball maintains its grip atop the conference standings and further establishes itself as a powerhouse this season. The Yetis continue to receive votes in the latest NJCAA Division II softball rankings as well. Their well-rounded attack, highlighted by powerful hitting, aggressive baserunning, and stellar pitching, has made them the team to beat.