HAYWARD, Calif. – Facing a win-or-go-home scenario at the 2026 CCAA Softball Tournament, No. 3 seed Cal Poly Humboldt delivered one of its most complete performances of the season, overpowering No. 4 seed Cal State Dominguez Hills 11-0 in five innings Friday afternoon at Pioneer Softball Field.
With the victory, the Lumberjacks secured their first postseason win since 2017 and kept their season alive behind an explosive offensive showing and a dominant outing in the circle from freshman Lily Fournier.
Humboldt wasted no time setting the tone. Shelby Shanks launched her eighth home run of the season in the bottom of the first inning, a solo shot to left center that gave the 'Jacks an early 1-0 lead.
The bats erupted in the second inning as Cal Poly Humboldt sent 11 hitters to the plate and scored seven runs. Taking advantage of Toro miscues while stringing together timely hitting, the 'Jacks saw Bella Garcia drive in two runs with a single, followed by a two-RBI single from Shanks. Katlyn Gifford capped the inning with a two-run double to right center, pushing the lead to 8-0.
Humboldt continued to apply pressure in the fourth. Marissa Brody highlighted the frame with a three-run home run to right field—her fifth of the season—extending the lead to 11-0 and effectively sealing the run-rule victory.
The Lumberjacks totaled nine hits in the contest, with multiple players turning in standout performances at the plate. Gifford led the way with a perfect 3-for-3 day and two RBI, while Shanks (2-for-2, three RBI, three runs) and Brody (2-for-3, three RBI, two runs) each homered and combined for six runs driven in. Garcia also added two hits and two RBI in the effort.
In the circle, Lily Fournier was in complete control, tossing a five-inning shutout to earn her first career postseason victory. The left-hander allowed just four hits, struck out two, and did not issue a walk in a highly efficient 65-pitch performance.
Cal State Dominguez Hills was limited to four hits and was unable to advance a runner past second base as Humboldt's defense played flawlessly behind Fournier.
With the win, Cal Poly Humboldt (26-27) advances in the elimination bracket and will face No. 1 seed Cal State San Marcos in another win-or-go-home matchup. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. this afternoon from Pioneer Softball Field in Hayward.
