The Lower Columbia College Red Devils left everything on the dirt this week, putting together a spectacular, hard-fought campaign in the NWAC Championship tournament at Delta Park. After storming through the first three games undefeated, our Devils fell just short in a winner-take-all championship doubleheader against Mt. Hood, concluding a sensational season with a 47-7 overall record and a 2nd place NWAC finish.
Here is a look back at our phenomenal postseason journey.
Game 1: Lower Columbia 8, Clackamas 0
The Red Devils opened the tournament on May 14th with a statement victory, blanking Clackamas 8-0 in just six innings.
Ava Eib was masterful in the circle, tossing a complete-game shutout. Eib allowed just three hits over 6.0 innings while striking out seven batters to earn the win. Offensively, the Devils were propelled by Avery Garvey, who came through with an explosive 2-for-4 performance, crushing a double and driving in an incredible 5 RBIs. Dani Ambriz contributed with a base hit, and Gabi Silveria kept the pressure on by drawing two walks. Lower Columbia's offense overwhelmed the Cougars, ending the game early via the run rule with a four-run 6th inning.
Game 2: Lower Columbia 10, Edmonds 0
The bats stayed scorching hot the very next day against Edmonds, resulting in another run-rule shutout, this time 10-0 in five innings.
Zoey Hughes took the ball and threw a gem, throwing 5.0 scoreless innings while yielding only two hits and striking out five. At the plate, Alisyn Parkin put on a power clinic, going 2-for-3 with two home runs and 4 RBIs. Danika Hallom was a perfect 3-for-3 on the day with a double and an RBI, while Gabi Silveria tripled and drew two walks to score three times.
Game 3: Lower Columbia 5, Mt. Hood 4
Facing a tough Mt. Hood squad on May 16th, the Red Devils dug deep for a thrilling 5-4 victory to advance to the championship series.
The highlight of the game—and perhaps the tournament—came in the bottom of the 6th inning. Trailing the Saints, Kendall Humphrey stepped into the box and launched a monumental grand slam to left-center field, driving in 4 RBIs and giving LCC the lead. Danika Hallom continued her brilliant postseason, going 2-for-3 with a run scored, while Alisyn Parkin chipped in with a 2-for-4 performance. Ava Eib gutted out a complete 7.0 innings, scattering six hits and allowing four earned runs while striking out four to secure the clutch win.
Game 4 (Championship Game 1): Mt. Hood 11, Lower Columbia 3
Needing just one win to claim the NWAC title, the Red Devils met Mt. Hood again on May 17th. Unfortunately, the Saints' offense came alive, forcing a decisive Game 2 with an 11-3 victory.
The Red Devils struggled to contain Mt. Hood's bats, with pitchers Zoey Hughes (2.1 IP, 5 ER) and Cerenity Fake (3.2 IP, 6 ER) both battling hard against a relentless lineup. Despite the loss, Kendall Humphrey showcased her power once again, going 1-for-2 with her second home run in as many days and 2 RBIs. Danika Hallom (1-for-2, 1 RBI) also managed to drive in a run, but LCC couldn't close the gap.
Game 5 (Championship Game 2): Mt. Hood 6, Lower Columbia 5
In the winner-take-all finale, the Red Devils fought until the very last out in a nail-biting, back-and-forth thriller, ultimately falling 6-5 to the Saints.
Ava Eib left her heart in the circle, pitching 6.0 innings, allowing eight hits and four earned runs while striking out one. The Devils offense showed incredible resilience. Kendall Humphrey capped off an unbelievable individual tournament by going 1-for-3 with yet another home run and 2 RBIs. Alisyn Parkin added a home run of her own (1-for-4, 1 RBI), and Elysa Nash was a bright spot at the top of the lineup, going 2-for-3 with an RBI. Danika Hallom (1-for-2, 1 RBI) consistently delivered, but Mt. Hood managed to edge out LCC by a single run to take the crown.
While the final game didn't go our way, the Red Devils showcased resilience, power, and phenomenal pitching throughout the NWAC tournament. A 2nd place finish in the entire conference is a testament to the grit and talent of this remarkable roster. Hold your heads high, Red Devils—you've made Lower Columbia incredibly proud!
2026 All-Tournament Team
Most Valuable Player: Gracie Huston, Mt. Hood
Taylor Donahue, Mt. Hood
Serena Hattori, Mt. Hood
Kate Dunham, Mt. Hood
Sadie Guyette, Mt. Hood
Ava Eib, Lower Columbia
Danika Hallom, Lower Columbia
Kendall Humphrey, Lower Columbia
Alisyn Parkin, Lower Columbia
Kenzie West, Clackamas
Preslie Jensen, Clackamas
Payton Blunt, Clackamas
Isabella Hernandez, Spokane
Samantha Rensvold, Spokane
