CHICKASHA, Okla. — The College of Idaho softball team delivered a statement Tuesday afternoon, knocking off No. 1 seed and host Science and Arts with a 6-3 win in the Chickasha Bracket, powered by timely hitting and a strong performance in the circle.
The Yotes (36-20) struck early and never trailed, erupting for three runs in the opening inning. Lena Zahniser provided the biggest swing of the day, launching a three-run home run to left field that scored Kamryn Ham and Madelyn Powell and immediately put the top seed on its heels.
Science and Arts answered with a run in the bottom half of the first, but the Yotes continued to apply pressure.
In the third inning, Powell came through again, lining an RBI single to right field to bring home Ham and extend the lead to 4-1.
College of Idaho added to its advantage in the fifth when Kina Watts delivered an RBI single to score Alyssa Melendez, and tacked on another in the sixth as Hallie Campbell grounded out to bring in Quincy Cronquist, pushing the lead to 6-1.
Watts also controlled the game in the circle, tossing a complete game to earn the win. The right-hander scattered nine hits and allowed just one earned run, working out of multiple jams to keep the high-powered USAO lineup in check.
Science and Arts attempted a late push with single runs in the sixth and seventh innings, but the Yotes' defense held firm to close out the upset.
Zahniser led the way with three RBIs, while Powell and Watts added one apiece as College of Idaho capitalized on its scoring opportunities despite recording just seven hits.
With the win, the Yotes advance to the an opening round championship game for the first time since 2023 and for the first time in program history from the winners bracket. Previously, every appearance in the title game came after a loss.
Now sitting unbeaten in the bracket, College of Idaho needs just one more win to punch its ticket to Columbus, Georgia, for the NAIA World Series, a place the program hasn't reached since 2021. Their opponent will have a much steeper path, needing at least three consecutive wins to claim the title.
The Yotes' championship opponent is still two games away from determination. LSUA and Morningside (Game 6) play Tuesday at 5pm MT then the winner takes on USAO at 12pm MT on Wednesday (Game 7). The Yotes will take on the winner of Game 7 immediately after at 4 p.m. CT (3 p.m. MT). MORE INFORMATION