CALDWELL, Idaho | Despite a 5-3 loss to College of Idaho, Warner Pacific, in their first full season as a member of the Cascade Collegiate Conference, clinched a No. 6 seed in the Cascade Collegiate Conference tournament set for next weekend.

"The Cascade Conference is the most competitive softball conference in the country, and making it to the post season in this league is a big accomplishment," exclaimed Knights head coach Nathan Ohta. "Covid has created a lot of challenges this year and playing our entire season on the road due to the pandemic made our path even more difficult," he said. "But I'm proud of what this group has accomplished thus far, and that they've been able to achieve this milestone in our first full season," Ohta added.
 
Due to the coronavirus pandemic and a lack of facility availability, Warner Pacific softball has played the entire season on the road. The Knights have been on the road for 10 consecutive weeks, playing in 43 games. Saturday marked the end of the regular season for the team, who honored their seniors in Caldwell, Idaho.
 
Five players will be moving on from the program following the conclusion of playoffs; Macy Besuyen, Katie Gleasman, Ashton Porter, Rebekah Roe, and Sarah Stanfill. "I also want to recognize our five seniors," added coach Ohta. "The last two years have been far from a normal college experience for them, but they have been committed to this team and to Warner Pacific University. Their dedication, hard work and sacrifice has been a big part of our success. They have represented us all well, and continue to do so, and I'm excited for them and the opportunity they have this coming weekend."
 
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The Rundown
Game one was a much more evenly matched contest compared the previous two just the day before. C of I drew blood first to start the game off, jumping out to a quick 2-0 lead.
 
Warner Pac responded with a run of their own thanks to an Emma Foster single through the left side for her 17^th RBI of the season, closing the gap on the Yotes' lead.
 
On the mound for the Knights was Melia Croydon, throwing all seven innings, facing 39 batters for 11 hits.
 
After giving up a College of Idaho run in the third and fourth inning, Warner Pacific responded with two more in the fifth.
 
Devinne Amesquita sac-flied for an RBI before Jamie Carlson singled to left field, bringing in the third run of the game, keeping the contest within reach.
 
Taking the Yotes to a one-run lead in the seventh, College of Idaho found a gap in the middle to add a little extra insurance.

Showing a glimmer of hope in the bottom of the seventh inning, Payton Hergert tripled down the right field line but the Knights were unable to bring a run in as the game came to a close in favor of the Yotes 5-3.
 
Leaving it all out on the field in game two, what had the chance to be her last collegiate softball game, Warner Pacific senior catcher Katie Gleasman stepped to the plate with 2-outs and bases loaded in the first inning. The senior from Chelan, Washington struck the ball, sending it over the left field fence for a grand slam. Unfortunately just two innings later, with the Knights up 4-0, the game was cancelled due to thunder and rain.
 
Nonetheless, Gleasman quite literally went out with a bang.

Payton Hergert finished the day 4-4 at the plate with a triple and three singles.
Devinne Amesquita, Emma Foster and Jamie Carlson each garnered an RBI.
 
Deeper Look
Warner Pacific concluded its first ever full season as a member of the CCC, and clinched a playoff spot
 
 
Flash Forward
Warner Pacific clinched a No. 6 seed in the CCC Softball Tournament and will head south to Ashland, Oregon to face the No. 3 seeded Oregon Tech Lady Owls. "As a team we're enjoying the moment, but at the same time, we're ready to get back to work this week preparing for the tournament, and to continue what has been a successful first season" concluded the Knights head coach.