Apr 29, 2010

Raider softball

The Central Lakes College Raiders finished their Northern Division fast-pitch season Wed., April 28 at Itasca, losing two close games to the nation's top ranked Vikings, 4-3 and 4-1. The losses give the Raiders a 21-11 record, 14-6 in the North of the Minnesota College Athletic Conference. CLC next plays at the Jennie Guyer tournament in Grand Rapids on Sat., May 1, and then goes to Sauk Rapids May 7 and 8 for the MCAC tournament. On May 13 and 14, the CLC team hopes to compete in the Region 13 B tournament at Grand Rapids. The Raiders must have a strong enough showing at State to qualify for the four-team Regional. Only one team advances to the Nationals out of that region. In four battles with the Vikings this season, CLC has been close to winning. Two of the setbacks were extra-inning affairs, notes Coach Greg Medeck, who is in his first season at the helm. Ashly Erickson pitched both games April 28, allowing 19 hits, striking out 5, walking 4. Tika Nichols (pictured) went 4-7 at the plate for the day, and she poked a home run in the first game.