Yetis Softball Wraps Strong Season with National Recognition and Region 10 Standouts

Cleveland Community College softball closed the season with one of the most complete campaigns in program history, finishing 23-17 overall and 12-6 in conference play while establishing itself as one of Region 10's most balanced teams. The Yetis combined consistent contact hitting, aggressive base running, and steady pitching to earn national statistical recognition across several key areas. Cleveland finished ranked No. 27 nationally in team hitting, No. 28 in base running, and No. 21 in pitching categories among NJCAA Division II programs.

At the plate, the Yetis produced all season long, batting .311 as a team with a .380 on-base percentage and a .422 slugging percentage. Cleveland scored 220 runs, drove in 181 RBI, collected 295 hits, and finished with 71 extra-base hits, including 45 doubles, 18 triples, and eight home runs. The lineup's depth helped the Yetis put pressure on opposing pitchers throughout the season, averaging 5.50 runs and 7.38 hits per game.

Speed was also a major part of Cleveland's identity. The Yetis stole 67 bases on 73 attempts, finishing with an impressive .918 stolen-base percentage. That aggressive approach helped Cleveland create scoring chances, extend innings, and force opposing defenses to make plays under pressure.

Several Yetis turned in standout seasons offensively. Zaley Packett led the way as one of the top hitters in Region 10, finishing second in the region with a .513 batting average while also ranking among the region's top run producers with 47 RBI, five home runs, and an .867 slugging percentage. Sophia Neal provided a major spark as a table-setter and base-running threat, batting .363 with a .455 on-base percentage and 23 stolen bases. Peyton Whitson added another steady all-around presence, hitting .388 with a .459 on-base percentage and 15 stolen bases. Sara Rose Warlick was also a key run producer, batting .364 with 33 RBI and nine stolen bases. Whitson and Warlick also reached 100 career hits during the season, becoming just the second and third players in program history to achieve the milestone.

The strength of Cleveland's lineup was reflected in postseason recognition as Neal and Whitson earned First Team All-Region honors, while Packett and Warlick were named Second Team All-Region selections. Together, they helped give the Yetis one of the most productive and balanced offensive groups in the region.

In the circle, Cleveland's pitching staff gave the Yetis stability throughout the season. The staff posted a 4.12 ERA over 219 innings, recording 151 strikeouts while holding opponents to a .298 batting average. Both Cleveland pitchers ranked among the nation's top 35 in multiple pitching categories, helping anchor one of the program's strongest statistical pitching seasons.

The Yetis also delivered several signature moments during the year. Cleveland opened eyes early by sweeping sixth nationally ranked NJCAA Division III Surry Community College on Feb. 10, winning 8-3 and 12-2. On March 11, Head Coach Ronald Beaver earned his 100th win as Yetis head coach with an 8-0 victory over Southwest Virginia Community College. Cleveland added another major win on April 22, defeating second nationally ranked NJCAA Division III Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute, 8-3.

From national rankings to all-region honors, the season showed the continued growth of the Yetis softball program. Cleveland proved it could compete with ranked opponents, produce at a high level offensively, apply pressure on the bases, and rely on a nationally recognized pitching staff. With a strong foundation in place, the Yetis closed the season as one of Region 10's most well-rounded programs.