Calhoun Sweeps ACC to End Trip

Tanner, Alabama — February 20, 2026

The Alpena Community College Lumberjacks softball team wrapped up their season-opening road trip to Alabama on Thursday, closing out the journey with a doubleheader against the Calhoun Warhawks in Tanner. While the results didn't go ACC's way — an 11-4 loss in Game 1 and a 10-2 setback in Game 2 — the Lumberjacks showed flashes of real potential and gave their coaching staff plenty of encouraging moments to build on heading into the rest of the season.

The Lumberjacks came out swinging in the opening game, striking first with a run in the top of the first inning to set an early tone. ACC scratched and clawed throughout the contest, and the most memorable moment came in the top of the sixth when the Lumberjacks erupted for three runs to pull within striking distance and show they were never going to quit.

That sixth-inning rally was a thing of beauty. Alaina Neubecker sparked it with a double, and Rilee Tracy followed with a clutch single to put runners in scoring position. From there, Jenna Sircely delivered with a sharp single, and she wasn't done — she promptly stole second base to put herself in a prime scoring position. The inning saw all three runners eventually cross the plate, including Sircely scoring on a groundout, capping a rally that showcased exactly the kind of timely hitting and aggressive baserunning that can define a successful program.

Kirsten Neubecker was steady all afternoon at the plate, going 2-for-4 to lead ACC in hits. Jenna Sircely was equally impressive, reaching base multiple times, driving in a run, and adding a stolen base. Dakota Rachow drew a walk and scored, while Rilee Tracy contributed a hit and scored as well. The Lumberjacks drew four walks as a team, demonstrating solid plate discipline against Calhoun's pitching.

Defensively, second baseman Sircely was exceptional in the field, recording five putouts and two assists to help keep the Lumberjacks organized up the middle. Jordan Ashley took the mound for all six innings, gutting through a tough afternoon and giving her team every opportunity to stay in the game.

The second game told a similar story of early promise. The Lumberjacks went right to work in the top of the first inning, putting together their best offensive frame of the day. Alaina Neubecker doubled again — showing she was locked in at the plate all day — and Rilee Tracy responded with a clutch, two-RBI single that gave ACC a 2-0 lead before Calhoun even came to bat. Reagan Sides also went 2-for-2 in the game, proving to be one of the most reliable bats in the lineup on the afternoon.

The early lead showed ACC's ability to jump on an opponent right out of the gate, a critical quality for any team hoping to make noise in their conference. Jenna Sircely took the ball as the starting pitcher in Game 2, adding another dimension to her already impressive day as a two-way contributor for the Lumberjacks.

Dakota Rachow added a hit in center field and showed steady work tracking fly balls. Kirsten Neubecker drew a walk and scored one of ACC's two runs. Ava Rospierski also drew a walk, contributing to a patient approach at the plate even as Calhoun's pitching kept the Lumberjacks from breaking through later in the contest.

It was a tough day to close out the Alabama trip, but the character shown — particularly the sixth-inning comeback attempt in Game 1 and the aggressive first inning of Game 2 — speaks to a team that competes hard and isn't easily rattled. Alaina Neubecker was arguably the offensive standout of the day, doubling in both games and scoring in each. Rilee Tracy proved to be a clutch performer with runners on base, and Jenna Sircely's ability to contribute both on the mound and at the plate gives the Lumberjacks a real weapon in their lineup.

The 2026 ACC Lumberjacks are clearly still finding their footing early in the season, but there is no shortage of talent or competitive spirit in this group. If the fight they showed throughout their Alabama trip is any indication, this team is going to be fun to watch all year long. The Lumberjacks now head back to Alpena with valuable early-season experience under their belts and plenty of momentum to build on.