May 9, 2011

Softball team to Regional

The Central Lakes College softball team was eliminated from the state playoffs last Friday, winning one of three games in the MCAC tournament in Cloquet, but the Raiders qualified for the Region 13B tournament at Itasca. In the opening round at State, CLC lost to Minnesota West 12-1. Trisha Wippler had a double while Sam Harting was tagged for the loss, pitching all five innings giving up eight earned runs, striking out three and walking three. Sam also drove in the only run for CLC. In the second game, Lindsey Fryer blasted a two-run homer to lead CLC past Northland, 3-2. That win qualified the Raiders for the region tournament that is scheduled for Thursday and Friday at Grand Rapids. Sam pitched all seven innings and struck out eight. The Raiders were eliminated from the state playoffs, 4-3, vs. Rochester, which later lost to Anoka-Ramsey. Trisha slapped a two-run, first-inning homer. Dani Thiesse (pictured) went 3-4 with a pair of runs scored. Lindsey and Heather Zetah each ahd two hits. Sam pitched the third game, giving up three earned runs, striking out three with no walks over six innings. CLC next plays at 10 a.m. Thursday vs. North Dakota State College of Science. CLC is the No. 3 seed, and NDSCS is No. 2. Host Itasca is the No. 1 seed and will play Northland, No. 4 seed. The winner of the double-elimination tournament advances to the 8-team NJCAA national championship tournament at Rochester May 19-21.