HAYWARD, Calif. — Cal Poly Humboldt's postseason run came to a close on Friday afternoon as the Lumberjacks fell just short in a 4-3 battle against No. 1 seed Cal State San Marcos in the second elimination game of the 2026 CCAA Softball Championship Tournament at Pioneer Stadium.
Despite the result, the 'Jacks wrap up the season with a 26-28 overall record, capping a remarkable campaign that saw Humboldt exceed expectations all spring. Picked eighth in the CCAA Preseason Poll, Cal Poly Humboldt surged to a third-place finish in the conference standings and secured its first postseason appearance since 2017.
Friday's matchup was another example of the resilience that defined Humboldt's season.
Cal State San Marcos (49-7) struck early with a three-run first inning, highlighted by a two-run home run from Czar Fleischman. The Cougars added a solo home run in the third to take a 4-1 lead.
Humboldt responded with steady offensive pressure, recording nine hits in the contest. Bella Garcia and Alexa Garcia each scored runs, while the 'Jacks chipped away at the deficit beginning in the third inning. Marissa Brody delivered an RBI single to bring Humboldt within two, scoring Bella Garcia after Shelby Shanks reached and advanced into scoring position.
The 'Jacks made their biggest push in the fourth inning. Rylee Banks launched a solo home run, the first of her young career, to left center, cutting the deficit to 4-2. Later in the inning, Alyssa Ramirez came through with an RBI single to center field to score Alexa Garcia, trimming the lead to just one.
Humboldt continued to apply pressure throughout the game. Ramirez led the way offensively with a 2-for-4 performance and an RBI, while Banks added two hits and her home run. Shanks reached base three times with a hit and two walks, and Katlyn Gifford contributed a hit and reached via hit-by-pitch. Alexa Garcia also added a double and a run scored as part of the 'Jacks' balanced attack.
In the circle, freshman Lily Fournier delivered a strong outing against one of the nation's top offenses. Fournier went the distance, tossing 6.0 innings while allowing four runs on eight hits, striking out three and keeping Humboldt within striking distance throughout the contest.
The 'Jacks threatened late but were unable to push across the tying run, as Cal State San Marcos reliever Hailey Shiftlett closed out the final innings to secure the win.
Following the game, head coach Megan Corriea reflected on her team's performance and season.
"I'm incredibly proud of this group," said Corriea. "Our seniors provided tremendous leadership all year, and this team showed what it means to compete with heart. We played a great day of softball today across both games, and I'm proud of how we fought and showed resilience—not just today, but all season long."
Friday marked the end of a season defined by growth, perseverance, and belief. From preseason underdogs to postseason contenders, the Lumberjacks established a foundation that points toward a bright future for the program.
