LA GRANDE, Ore. – No. 6 Eastern Oregon University Softball is set to travel to Klamath Falls for the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) Tournament, hosted by Oregon Tech for the fifth consecutive year. The championship will run May 1–3 at John and Lois Stilwell Stadium, with the tournament winner earning the conference's automatic berth to the NAIA Softball National Championship.

After finishing 18-6 in CCC play, the Mountaineers secured the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye. Eastern will face the winner of the matchup between No. 3 seed Southern Oregon and No. 6 seed Simpson, who play earlier in the day at 11:30 a.m. The Mountaineers are scheduled to take the field in Game 4 at 4:30 p.m.

No. 6-ranked Southern Oregon enters the tournament as the No. 3 seed after posting a 16-8 conference record, while No. 6 seed Simpson finished 11-13 in its first season competing in the CCC.

During the regular season, Eastern opened conference play with a statement series win over then-No. 1 Southern Oregon. The Mountaineers claimed the first two games, 6-4 and 16-7, before dropping the third game 5-4 to take the series 2-1. Southern Oregon added a 6-1 win in a non-conference fourth game. Against Simpson, EOU recorded a series sweep with wins of 9-1 (six innings), 7-5, 8-2, and 18-9 (six innings, non-conference).

Southern enters as one of the conference's most balanced and efficient teams, ranking top four in hits (209), RBIs (129), batting average (.319), and on-base percentage (.385). Their speed is a major weapon, leading the league in triples (9) and stolen bases, with Kalea Thomas ranking third individually with 25 steals. In the circle, they back it up with a 2.99 ERA (3rd), while limiting hits and walks at one of the best rates in the conference. Defensively, they've been the cleanest team, committing just 15 errors for a .975 fielding percentage, making them a tough, well-rounded opponent.

Simpson brings a more power-focused approach, ranking fourth in home runs (12) and featuring Brianna Lopez-Cortez, who is third individually with 10 long balls. While their overall offensive numbers sit lower—sixth in hits (137) and RBIs (70) with a .217 average—they lead the conference in hit-by-pitches and still create pressure on the bases. Their pitching staff holds a 3.31 ERA, and defensively they've struggled at times, posting a .952 fielding percentage with 32 errors, which could be a key factor in the matchup.

In her seventh season at the helm, head coach Nicole Christian continues to guide the Mountaineers among the nation's elite. The program earned its first-ever No. 1 ranking in Week 2 and has remained in the Top 6 all season, building on national tournament appearances the past two seasons and in 2022.

Statistically, Eastern excelled across the board in conference play, leading the CCC in RBIs (148), walks (97), and home runs (22), while ranking second in batting average (.325) and on-base percentage (.424). They also generate consistent pressure, finishing fourth in hits (209), third in hit by pitches (19), and holding just 82 total strikeouts (T-2nd) —showing depth with discipline at the plate to result in strong slugging numbers.

Eastern's production carries over to the basepaths and beyond, leading the conference in runs scored (167) while ranking second in stolen bases (40) and third in total bases (315). In the circle, they've been steady with a 3.14 ERA and 117 strikeouts, and defensively they hold a solid .963 fielding percentage with seven double plays turned. Overall, Eastern combines power, patience, and consistency, making them a well-rounded and dangerous opponent.

Individually, Hope Burke leads the conference with 12 home runs, while Raygun Klippert paces the league with 43 stolen bases. Lexi Grumbois ranks second in the CCC with a .430 batting average and 48 RBIs. 

Unlike in past seasons, the CCC has fallen below the threshold required to receive two automatic bids, leaving teams to battle for the tournament crown—and the conference's lone automatic berth. After capturing last season's Tournament Champion title, the Mountaineers are eager to defend their crown.

TOURNAMENT BRACKET & SCHEDULE 

Friday, May 1
Game 1 – 9 a.m. | No. 4 seed British Columbia vs. No. 5 seed College of Idaho
Game 2 – 11:30 a.m. | No. 3 seed Southern Oregon vs. No. 6 seed Simpson
Game 3 – 2 p.m. | No. 1 seed Oregon Tech vs. Winner Game 1
Game 4 – 4:30 p.m. | No. 2 seed Eastern Oregon vs. Winner Game 2

Saturday, May 2
Game 5 – 9 a.m. | Loser Game 2 vs. Loser Game 3 (elimination)
Game 6 – 11:30 a.m. | Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 4 (elimination)
Game 7 – 2 p.m. | Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4
Game 8 – 4:30 p.m. | Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6 (elimination)

Sunday, May 3
Game 9 – 11 a.m. | Loser Game 7 vs. Winner Game 8 (elimination)
Game 10 – 1:30 p.m. | Championship – Winner Game 7 vs. Winner Game 9
Game 11 – 30 minutes after Game 10 | If necessary

Find all tournament information, including live streams and results, on the Championship Page.