Three players and coach honored after claiming Region 6 title

Softball scene at a field: a player in a dark, pinstriped uniform with the number “4” and a batting helmet raises a gloved hand to high-five a coach in a gray jacket, cap, and sunglasses near the dugout fence. Another player in a white-and-blue “BEARCATS SOFTBALL” jersey with the number “40” stands beside them holding a glove. Nets, equipment, and teammates appear in the background under bright daylight.

Coach Brattin-Volkens shares a high-five with Reagan Neitzel on third base during a softball game

Posted: May 13, 2026

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - The Johnson County Community College softball team delivered a dominant performance last Saturday, capturing the NJCAA Region 6 title by going 4-0 at the 2026 NJCAA Division II Softball Plains District Tournament. The championship run secured the Cavaliers a berth in the NJCAA Division II Softball World Series.

Following the tournament, the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference announced its 2026 NJCAA Region 6/Plains District Division Softball All-Tournament Team, with JCCC well represented. Sophomore third baseman Reagan Neitzel, freshman shortstop Mariah Herrera, and freshman catcher Reese Pattison were all honored for their standout performances.

Neitzel headlined the group, earning Tournament MVP honors after an exceptional four-game stretch. She batted an impressive .625 (10-for-16) with two doubles, one home run, seven runs scored, and three RBI. In the championship game, Neitzel continued her dominance with a single and a double, drew a walk, and scored three of JCCC's 11 runs.

Herrera also played a pivotal role in the Cavaliers' title run, hitting .500 (7-for-14) with two doubles, three runs scored, two walks, and six RBI. She delivered several clutch moments throughout the tournament. In the opening round against Coffeyville, Herrera worked a six-pitch walk to extend the game, setting the stage for Alaryce Millard's game-tying home run. In the 10th inning, Herrera capped her performance with a two-out, bases-loaded RBI single to secure a walk-off victory.

Herrera came through again against Cowley, delivering a clutch two-run double in the bottom of the seventh inning to tie the game at 5-5 and help fuel another comeback effort.

Pattison provided a power surge for JCCC, finishing the tournament with three home runs and nine RBI. She collected five total hits, but her performance in the championship game proved decisive. After the Cavaliers fell behind 2-0 early, Pattison responded with a first-inning grand slam to give JCCC the lead for good. She added a second home run, a two-run shot in the fourth inning, to help seal the victory.

Leading the charge is head coach Aubree Brattin-Volkens, who was named Coach of the Tournament. Now in her 15th season at the helm, Brattin-Volkens will be making her seventh appearance at the NJCAA Division II World Series. Her previous trips resulted in a third-place finish in 2015, fifth-place finishes in 2017, 2019, 2024, and 2025, and a seventh-place finish in 2018.

During the tournament, Brattin-Volkens also made program history by surpassing Frank Barnes as JCCC's all-time wins leader. She now holds a career record of 491-182.

With momentum on their side and a proven track record of postseason success, the Cavaliers now turn their attention to the national stage as they prepare to compete in the NJCAA Division II Softball World Series.