Sports

The Lassen High School drill team hits its final pose at the end of a routine during the annual Grizzliette Show Friday, May 3. The show featured routines the Grizzliettes have performed throughout the year.  Photo by Maddie Musante

May 14 — The Lassen High School drill team hosted the annual Grizzliette Show in The Cave Friday, May 3 and saw a huge turnout.

It was standing room only in the gym as the Grizzliettes showcased the routines they performed throughout the year, including the military-style routine that earned them first place in a United Spirit Association competition in February. The Lassen High School cheerleading squad, J and J Performing Arts, House of Dance and the Diamond View Middle School drill team also performed in front of the packed crowd.

Before each routine the Grizzliette’s coach, Shelley Bennett, announced the name of the routine, who choreographed it and the occasion for which it was performed. Impressively, members of the Grizzliettes choreographed a majority of the routines themselves.

More than 350 people attended the show and, according to coach Bennett, the Grizzliettes raised more than $1,000 that will go toward uniform expenses.

“I was so impressed by our turn-out,” Bennett said, “It was wonderful that our local dance studios and drill teams showcased their talent. I hope that those young girls try out to be a Grizzliette some day. Every member of the team worked extremely hard in the weeks prior to the show. I value their time and energy devoted to the drill team. Our seniors will be missed as they are a vital part of our team and have spent the last four years dedicated to making themselves the best they can be.”

The Grizzliettes and their fans are looking forward to another year full of high-energy, talented performances, especially after attending the Grizzliette Show.

The Lassen High School varsity softball team stands together after winning the first game of its three-game series against Yreka High School. The Lady Grizzlies went on to beat Yreka in away game Thursday, May 9, clinching the league championship. Photo by Scott Nordstrom

May 10 — The Lassen High School Lady Grizzlies softball team has taken the Northern Athletic League title and, after an incredible season, can celebrate a hard-earned championship. The team played Yreka High School in a three-game series Tuesday, May 7 and Thursday, May 9. Lassen needed to win two of the three games to take the Northern Athletic League championship.

The first two games were played as a doubleheader on Tuesday, which the Lady Grizzlies split, winning the first game, 10-0, but losing the second, 8-4. The third game of the series was played at Yreka on Thursday and the Lady Grizzlies came away with a solid 9-2 victory, earning themselves the league title.

Shelby Campa was the winning pitcher in the first game on Tuesday. Campa pitched all six innings and threw a two-hit game, striking out eight batters and walking four. Laken Cagle came through at the plate for the Lady Grizzlies, going 2 for 3, hitting a triple and getting an RBI. Taylor Knecht got two RBIs for Lassen. Sara Sella and Lindsay Northrop each had one RBI.

The second game didn’t go as well for the Lady Grizzlies, despite the team playing competitively. Kelsey Pinneo pitched 4.1 innings for Lassen and got six strikeouts, no walks and allowed seven hits and two earned runs. Lauren Cagle took the pitcher’s mound for 2.2 innings, striking out two batters, walking one and giving up two hits and no earned runs. Northrop went 2 for 4 at the plate and hit an RBI. Knecht went 3 for 4 and scored a run.

The Lady Grizzlies had no problem recovering from the loss on Tuesday, as they went on to beat Yreka in an away game Thursday, clinching the league championship.

Northrop dominated at bat for Lassen, hitting three RBIs and a two-run double in the fourth inning. Laken Cagle and Jacqui Smith each hit an RBI. Campa was the winning pitcher, working the mound for all seven innings. She struck out four batters, walked two and gave up six hits and two earned runs.

The Lady Grizzlies ended their regular season with a league record of 10-2.

This is the 14th time in the school’s history the Lady Grizzlies softball team has taken the league title. The last time the team won the championship was in 2009.

“We’re really proud … I’m really happy that these kids got to be a part of our tradition,” said head coach Paul Moore. Moore also said one of the reasons he was so glad this group of girls got to win a championship is because it has been one of the few times in his many years of coaching that a team has had no issues, arguments or complaints. According to Moore, everyone on the team came together, accepted their role and worked hard to win.

“They were a true joy to coach,” he said.

The Lady Grizzlies will host the first round of playoffs at Lassen Community College at 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 14.