Yetis Softball Makes History with National Ranking and Sweep Wake Tech in Sophomore Weekend Showdown

Shelby, NC - It was a historic and emotional weekend for the Cleveland Community College Yetis softball team as they not only celebrated Sophomore Day but also made program history—earning their first-ever spot in the NJCAA national rankings, coming in at #24 in the country. The Yetis rode that momentum into a dominant four-game sweep over the visiting Wake Tech Eagles across Saturday and Sunday, improving their record and making a strong statement about the rising trajectory of the program.

Saturday Game 1: Yetis Rally Behind Strange and Dixon in 5-2 Win

In the opening game of the series, sophomore Christian Beaver took the circle and delivered a complete game performance, striking out seven and allowing just two runs on four hits. The offense came alive in the fifth inning, breaking a 1-1 tie with a four-run explosion.

Sayge Strange crushed a two-run homer to left, her first of the season, while Austyn Dixon added a clutch two-RBI double. Peyton Whitson continued her extra-base hit tear, going 2-for-3 with two triples and an RBI.

Saturday Game 2: Strange Dominates in the Circle, Ledbetter and Beaver Power Offense in 8-0 Shutout

The Yetis continued their hot streak with a run-rule 8-0 shutout in five innings. Sayge Strange not only pitched a complete game shutout—striking out seven without a walk—but also scored twice and drove in a run.

Jaylen Ledbetter exploded at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a triple and 3 RBIs, while Christian Beaver drove in two more runs with a clutch single in the fifth. The Yetis' balance of timely hitting and lights-out pitching set the tone for the weekend.

Sunday Game 1: Dixon Homers, Yetis Stay Hot in 6-0 Win

With Sophomore Day celebrations in full swing, Austyn Dixon led off the scoring with a first-inning two-run homer, her second of the season. The Yetis never looked back, rolling to a 6-0 victory behind another complete-game shutout by Christian Beaver, who held Wake Tech to just two hits and struck out six.

Kassie Swink added an RBI single, and Peyton Whitson stayed consistent with a 2-for-4 performance and an RBI.

Sunday Game 2: Yetis Offense Explodes in 12-2 Run-Rule Finale

The final game of the series was an offensive masterclass. The Yetis erupted for 12 runs in just two innings, overwhelming Wake Tech in a 12-2 run-rule victory.

Sara Rose Warlick and Molly Beam each recorded multi-RBI hits, with Beam crushing a triple and driving in two. Mckenzie Norman added a two-RBI groundout, and Christian Beaver tacked on two more RBIs to cap off her stellar weekend.

Sayge Strange closed the series with another complete game, allowing just two unearned runs and striking out four.

Sophomore Day Honors: A Tribute to Leadership and Legacy

Before Sunday's games, the Yetis honored their sophomore class—Christian Beaver, Daniela Castillo, Angela Castillo, Sayge Strange, Jaylen Ledbetter, Austyn Dixon, Molly Beam, Mckenzie Norman, and Kassie Swink—for their commitment, growth, and contributions to the program's success. 

With the sweep, Cleveland Community College improves its standing in Region 10 and further solidifies its position among the nation's best. The first-ever NJCAA ranking at #24 marks a milestone in the program's growth—and if this weekend was any indication, the Yetis are just getting started.

Next up, the Yetis continue conference play with eyes on climbing even higher in the rankings.