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‘Battle-tested’ Cypress softball upsets Fullerton in Division 1 playoffs

May 16, 2026

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Cypress’ Chach Stamper gets ready to deliver a pitch against Fullerton in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 1 softball playoffs in Fullerton on Friday, May 15, 2026. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)

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FULLERTON — Cypress softball coach Terry Thompson knew Fullerton’s standing atop the Orange County rankings entering the teams’ clash in the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs.

He also knew the readiness of his squad after playing in the Crestview League.

“We’re truly battle tested,” Thompson said of a league that placed all five of its teams in Division 1. “Every game is a meaningful, knockdown, drag out (competition). And seven wins won the league. That’s incredible.”

“When you’re playing good competition every couple days, you’re going to rise up to that level,” he added.

Cypress soared Friday.

Chach Stamper pitched a five-hitter with seven strikeouts and freshman leadoff batter Callie Kissell had three hits as the Centurions stunned No. 3 seeded Fullerton 4-2 in a first-round game at Fullerton High.

Cleanup batter Hayden Warner added two RBI singles for No. 9 ranked Cypress (17-12), which plays host to Crestview League rival Pacifica in the second round Saturday at noon.

The Centurions placed fourth in the league and earned an at-large berth to the playoffs. Pacifica (18-10) finished in a three-way tie for first.

“I think we’re ready,” said Kissell, who played her second consecutive game at shortstop. “We just need to play as a team.”

“We’re all happy we get to play another game together,” she added. “This gave us a big boost for (Saturday).”

Cypress showed its enthusiasm after Stamper struck out the final batter with the tying run at the plate. Catcher Makayla Dietrich framed the called strike as the Centurions swarmed their junior ace in the infield.

Cypress celebrated a well-rounded, wire-to-wire performance. The team played errorless defense, received a running catch in center from Cameron Gill and outhit Fullerton 8-5.

“Our team just needed to come together and trust all the work we’ve put in,” said Stamper, who walked one. “We knew we could do it but we also knew that nobody was expecting us to win.”

Cypress opened a 2-0 lead in the third on consecutive RBI singles by Tia Hernandez and Warner.

In the fourth, the Centurions took advantage of an error by Fullerton (24-4) to extend their advantage to 3-0.

After Dietrich drew a one-out walk, pinch runner Morgan Anderson took second on a passed ball. Anderson raced home after No. 9 batter Emma Din forced an errant throw on an infield single.

With Kissell up next, Fullerton coach Trevor Holton inserted Malaya Majam-Finch to pitch for starter Katelynn Mathews.

Majam-Finch escaped the inning to spark the Indians. In the sixth, Ava Flores singled in Hayley Brock and Soleil Luna to trim Cypress’ lead to 3-2.

But Stamper recovered and Warner added a two-out RBI single in the seventh.

“I just told myself to compete,” Stamper said. “Our league is tough. If you don’t constantly compete, you’re going to lose games.”

“We knew they could come in and beat us,” Holton said of Cypress. “They were ready to play and we weren’t. And injuries (to Kaylyn Yi and Melia Vera) hurt us.”

Majam-Finch, a senior who is committed to Oklahoma, allowed one run on two hits and struck out six in 3 2/3 innings. “I’m really proud of our (senior) class (and) this team especially,” she said.

‘Battle-tested’ Cypress softball upsets Fullerton in Division 1 playoffs Orange County Register

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‘Battle-tested’ Cypress softball upsets Fullerton in Division 1 playoffs

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