The Central Lakes College softball team was two runs shy from making the NJCAA national tournament Friday, May 13. After sending the Region 13B tournament into sudden death with a 5-0 Game One victory, the Raiders fell 4-3 to Itasca Community College to conclude their season with a 21-15 record. Sam Harting pitched a three-hit Game One gem. She walked one and struck out one and Stephanie Neugebauer continued her power surge with another home run for all the offense CLC would need. Steph finished 2-3 as did Lindsey Fryer. “Sam was incredible,” said CLC head coach Greg Medeck. “Our bottom of the order produced some runs and Steph came through with the big hit with the home run. That really got us excited for the opportunity to continue our season.” Sam continued her precision in Game Two for all but inning. The freshman pitcher allowed six hits, five runs and two walks, while striking out two in the finale. All five runs came in the second inning. The Raiders rallied with three runs as Ashley Zimmerman tripled, Steph hit another home run and Alicia Johnson was 3-3 with a home run.
