By Bruce Karnick

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The Raiders softball team had a season that truly put them to the test. Heading into the season, they expected Tartan and North to be the top competition in the conference and the Raiders had aspirations of a state run. A game four win over North capped o昀 a four-game win streak to start the season. A few weeks later, they split a double header with Tartan winning one game 8-5 and losing the other 1-0.

They 昀nished the regular season 11-8 with two huge wins at the end of the season over Mahtomedi and Simley to head into sections. At sections, the girls defeated Eastview 11-8 at Eastview in a dramatic, come from behind win scoring four in the sixth to win. The second section game, Eastview won 8-1 and the 昀nal section game, Hastings had a chance to come from behind again, but fell short, losing 12-10.

The Raiders graduated eight seniors, most of whom had starting roles all year long. This could cause some growing pains for next year, but the youth of the team has been in the trenches with the veterans and the veterans did a great job of including the younger players. Head Coach Jen Thesing will be returning for her third year in the program providing much needed consistency to this team.

If the Raiders can 昀nd 2-4 solid pitchers for the next season, they could be a dangerous team in the Metro East Conference and Section 3AAAA.