CCC Yetis Softball Shines at Region 10 Tournament, Advance to NJCAA Playoffs

The Cleveland Community College Yetis softball team delivered a thrilling performance at the Region 10 Tournament, held May 1–3, 2025, at Big League Camp in Marion, NC. Over five games against top contenders, the Yetis showcased depth, determination, and dominance, earning critical wins and individual accolades that solidify their postseason potential.

Coach Beaver Named Region 10 Coach of the Year

Just before tournament play began, Coach Ronald Beaver was honored as the 2025 NJCAA Region 10 Division II Coach of the Year. The award capped a historic season in which Coach Beaver led the Yetis to unprecedented success and record number of wins for the softball program.

With a culture of development, grit, and strategic execution, Coach Beaver has built a program that now commands attention on the regional and national stage.

Game 1 – CCC Yetis 9, Pitt CC Bulldogs 1 (5 Innings)

May 1 – Opening Round

CCC opened the tournament with a statement win over Pitt CC, powered by early offense and dominant pitching.

• Kassie Swink led the way with 3 RBIs, while Austyn Dixon launched a 2-run home run.
• Sayge Strange went the distance in the circle, allowing just 1 run on 6 hits across 5.0 IP.

Game 2 – CCC Yetis 4, Bryant & Stratton 1

May 1 – Nightcap

In their second game of the day, the Yetis continued their surge:

• A clutch bases-clearing double from Sayge Strange in the third inning broke the game open.
• Christian Beaver was locked in, pitching a 2-hit complete game with 6 strikeouts.

Game 3 – CCC Yetis 0, Louisburg Hurricanes 8 (5 Innings)

May 2 – Winner's Bracket

Louisburg's powerful offense overwhelmed the Yetis in their first tournament loss.

• CCC was held to just 4 hits, while Louisburg's Kassidy Mills homered and Madison Hall tallied 3 RBIs.
• Pitching miscues by Strange and Beaver led to an early exit via run-rule.

Game 4 – CCC Yetis 11, Bryant & Stratton 2 (5 Innings)

May 3 – Elimination Game

Facing elimination, CCC bounced back in dominant fashion:

• Sayge Strange smashed two home runs and drove in 5 RBIs.
• Mckenzie Norman went a perfect 3-for-3, and Beaver pitched her second complete game of the tournament with 5 strikeouts.

Game 5 – CCC Yetis 4, Louisburg Hurricanes 7

May 3 – Semifinals

CCC's tournament run ended in the semifinal round in a hard-fought rematch.

• Despite outhitting Louisburg (8–7), the Yetis couldn't overcome three homers surrendered to the Hurricanes.
• Christian Beaver and Strange each homered for CCC, with strong efforts from Ledbetter, Dixon, and Whitson.

All-Tournament Honors

Three CCC Yetis earned Region 10 All-Tournament Team selections:

• Sayge Strange – Tournament standout with 3 home runs and multiple RBI contributions, plus key wins in the circle.
• Molly Beam – Provided consistent defense and timely hits in clutch situations.
• Christian Beaver – Notched two complete game wins, added power at the plate, and anchored CCC's tournament rotation.

What's Next: NJCAA DII Playoff Series vs. Mercer County

The Yetis now turn their focus to a best-of-three playoff series versus Mercer County Community College (NJ) on Friday, May 9, with the winner advancing to the NJCAA Division II Softball College World Series.

Players to Watch

• Sayge Strange – Power hitter and frontline pitcher.
• Christian Beaver – Workhorse ace and offensive catalyst.
• Kassie Swink – Run producer and steady presence at short.
• Jaylen Ledbetter & Peyton Whitson – Speed, defense, and top-of-lineup sparks.

As Coach Beaver leads this record-setting team into the postseason, the CCC Yetis carry confidence, momentum, and a unified spirit into their biggest series yet.