Lassen Bursts Out of Gate in First Inning, Downs Jaguars 6-1 in Opener

SAN JOSE, Calif. — A four-run first inning set the tone as Lassen College handed San José City College a 6-1 defeat in the first game of a doubleheader Friday afternoon at SJCC.

The Cougars wasted no time doing their damage. Back-to-back RBI doubles by Tristyn Lenz and Taylor Lauritsen, followed by a run-scoring single from Emma Wayas, put Lassen up 4-0 before San José even came to bat. The Jaguars never fully recovered.

Lassen first baseman Jhan'z Kaawa-Kawai put the game out of reach with a two-run home run in the fifth inning, her blast scoring Jenna Ku and pushing the lead to 6-0. Kaawa-Kawai finished the game 2-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Ku was equally productive, going 3-for-4 with two runs scored out of the leadoff spot.

Lassen starter Lauren Emery was efficient and effective throughout, tossing a complete game and allowing just four hits and one unearned run while striking out four. She faced only 25 batters, never allowing San José to threaten seriously after the first inning.

The Jaguars managed just a flash of offense in the final frame when second baseman Belle Walker crushed a solo home run to left field in the bottom of the seventh, providing the lone highlight for San José on the afternoon. Walker finished 1-for-3 with the team's only RBI.

Priyah Quinonez (2-4) absorbed the loss in the circle, going the full seven innings but surrendering nine hits and six runs — five earned — while walking one and striking out three. Three San José errors, committed by Izzy Gutierrez, Walker and first baseman Anaya Zambrano, contributed to Lassen's ability to extend its advantage.

Outside of Walker's homer and singles from Arianna Vergara, Makenna Sieling, and Jaelynn Corona, the Jaguars' offense was largely quiet against Emery. San José stranded four runners and managed no multi-hit performances on the day.

The Jaguars and Cougars were set to return to the field immediately for the second game of the doubleheader.