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Orange Coast College Pirates Secure Historic State Championship Berth

The Orange Coast College Pirates celebrate their historic achievement after securing a state championship berth.

News Summary

The Orange Coast College Pirates softball team clinched their first state championship berth since 1993, finishing the 2025 season with an impressive 33-9 record. Key performances from players like Jasmyn Morales, Mackenzie Koshi, and Kelsey McNair were instrumental in this success. The team celebrated a co-conference championship and triumphed in the playoffs, culminating in their historic advancement. Coach Jodie Kiaha praised the team’s development and teamwork, as they look to build on this remarkable achievement in the years to come.

Costa Mesa – The Orange Coast College Pirates softball team has made history by securing their first berth in the state championships since 1993, capping off a remarkable 2025 season with an impressive overall record of 33 wins and 9 losses. The team finished strong in the Orange Empire Conference (OEC), holding a conference record of 15 wins and 3 losses, which ultimately led them to participate in the 3C2A state playoffs.

Key players of the season included Jasmyn Morales, who was recognized as the Orange Empire Conference Player of the Year and named the MVP for 2025. Morales stood out in the conference, leading in home runs and finishing second in runs batted in (RBIs). Her performance was critical to the team’s success and showcased her hard work and dedication throughout the season.

In addition to Morales’ accolades, sophomore Mackenzie Koshi earned the 2025 Cal JC Rawlings Gold Glove Award for her exceptional defensive skills at second base, achieving a fielding percentage of .983. Her defensive prowess significantly contributed to the team’s strong performance on the field.

Sophomore pitcher Kelsey McNair achieved accolades by being selected to the 3C2A All-Southern Team and made the All-OEC First Team. She led the Pirates with a batting average of .405 and had an earned run average (ERA) of 0.90, reinforcing her status as a key player. Freshman pitcher Daniella Sanchez also made a significant impact, finishing the season with a remarkable record of 13 wins and 1 loss alongside an ERA of 2.23, earning her a place on the 3C2A All-Southern Team as well.

Other noteworthy contributions came from players such as Reyna Hernandez, Isabel Lopez, and Olivia Pedraza, who were recognized on the All-OEC Second Team. Pedraza particularly shone during the state championship tournament, adding a valuable three-run home run to her contributions, while maintaining a batting average of .395 that highlighted her leadership skills throughout the season.

The Pirates celebrated a co-conference championship victory on April 24, 2025, with a team photo capturing the joy of their accomplishment. Their first-round playoff matchup was against Modesto Junior College on March 15, where they secured an 8-6 victory, setting a positive tone for their playoff campaign.

The team’s season reached its peak when they finally clinched a state championship bid following a successful series against Fullerton College on May 10, 2025. This advancement marked a monumental achievement for the program, showcasing the improvement and growth shown by the players and coaching staff throughout the season.

Head coach Jodie Kiaha spoke about the team’s development, emphasizing their commitment to excellence and teamwork that propelled them to a successful season. With the historic state championship berth secured, the Pirates aim to build upon this success in the coming years, motivated by their impressive performance in the 2025 season.

This season’s achievements serve as a testament to the hard work and cooperation displayed by the Orange Coast College softball team, setting a solid foundation for future pursuits and reaffirming their status as a competitive force in collegiate softball.