The Hastings Raiders embraced a fresh start in 2025, rallying behind new head coach Becca Sorenson to deliver a season packed with momentum, memorable comebacks, and a deep run into the Section 3AAAA playoffs. The team finished with a strong 14‑5 regular‑season record, topped their conference at 12‑2, and marched to a spirited fourth‑place finish in sections. Along the way the Raiders rattled off an eye‑catching 10‑win streak, leaned on the steady arm of their senior pitcher, and forged a tight‑knit clubhouse culture. It was a season that reenergized the program and offered a promising launchpad for the years ahead.
This year marked the first season with Becca Sorenson at the helm, succeeding a long‑time coaching staff. Sorenson arrived armed with fresh energy and a clear vision for growth. She emphasized teamwork, skill development, and a supportive atmosphere.
“It’s been incredible watching them support one another and raise the standard for our program,” Sorenson said, reflecting on how the players responded to new expectations. From the outset the new coach earned buy‑in, and the Raiders quickly bonded under her leadership.
The opening game set the tone early. In a season‑opener against a rival, the Raiders jumped out with two runs in the first inning and never looked back. Clare Rieder went 3‑for‑4 at the plate, igniting a balanced offensive attack. That win underscored the kind of momentum Sorenson aimed to build.
The squad went on an impressive 10‑win streak, showcasing clutch hitting, sharp defense, and remarkable consistency from senior pitcher Haley Strain. Game after game, Strain delivered under pressure. A highlight came with an 11‑0 shutout of Hill‑Murray on May 7, where the Raiders’ offense erupted while Strain kept the opposition off the scoreboard. They followed with a 16‑6 rout of South St. Paul on May 3, piling on runs in waves and demonstrating their offensive depth.
Wins kept rolling during conference play, propelling Hastings to the top of their league at 12‑2. That stretch included a key bounce‑back weekend, reversing earlier missteps and igniting confidence.
Strain’s role was central to the team’s success. As the Raiders’ only pitcher, she carried the full season on her shoulders. Whether managing high‑pressure innings or closing out wins, she showed endurance, composure, and control. Her dominance was especially clear during a gritty 2‑1 win over Two Rivers, where her ability to navigate tight spots made the difference.
All good runs come to an end, however, and the Raiders’ streak met its challenge against North St. Paul in a thrilling nine‑inning duel. Hastings fell 4‑3 in extras, a tough loss that highlighted both the team’s resilience and the remarkable workload shouldered by Strain, who pitched every single inning of the season.
They regrouped and closed out the regular season at 14‑5 overall, locking in a strong postseason position.
In the Section 3AAAA tournament the Raiders entered as the fourth seed. They lifted the energy again with spirited performances, but ultimately their run ended earlier than expected. It wasn’t the finish they hoped for, yet the competitiveness they brought to every game showed how much the team had grown.
Throughout it all, Coach Sorenson’s influence was clear. She forged a culture where players trusted each other, emerged as clutch performers in key moments, and built a playoff‑ready mentality. She pointed to morale as a game‑changer. “Watching them support one another and raise the standard for our program made me really proud,” she said.
Senior leaders set the tone. Clare Rieder, Sienna McCoy, Addie Seleski, Rachel Notch and Strain delivered consistent offense and leadership throughout the year. Haley Strain, in her final season, was the heartbeat of the team from the pitching circle. Her grit and stamina helped define the Raiders’ identity. Fielders backed her up with sharp plays, and younger players stepped up at the plate and behind the scenes. That balance of veteran drive and rising talent powered the team’s postseason push.
Beyond wins and losses the Raiders reinvigorated a sense of community around the program. From the start of the year, varsity players connected with youth teams. Before facing North St. Paul they hosted their 10‑and‑under sisters, delivering a feel‑good moment and showcasing the program’s broad reach. The bond between generations reflected Sorenson’s emphasis on legacy and giving back.
Coach Sorenson and her assistants—Chad Feikema, Amanda Wilson, and Alissa Johnson—pressed hard on fundamentals from the start. They also reinforced mental toughness, preparing players for pressure situations. That paid off in extra‑inning battles, close conference games, and the postseason, earning respect at every turn.
As the sun finally set on the 2025 season, the Raiders left Hastings High School brimming with optimism and pride. They reestablished Hastings as a conference top‑dog, earned a spot among the best in their section, and proved they could compete under pressure. Even though they didn’t bring home a section title, they gained something equally valuable: belief.
Looking ahead, threats lie in front of them, not obstacles behind. With Sorenson cementing her vision, rising underclassmen ready for leadership, and a returning core that’s battled adversity, Hastings girls softball looks ready to keep climbing.
If 2025 was the season of arrival under a new coach, the next chapters promise more growth. Coach Sorenson’s first year reset expectations, rewrote the narrative, and reminded everyone that when Raiders softball locks in, it becomes something fun and hard to stop.
To the nine seniors who have graduated, Sienna McCoy, Lauren Meyer, Allie LeFlay, Rachel Notch, Lauren Muhl, Addie Seleski, Claire Rieder, Haley Strain and Alyssa Leos, thank you. Thank you all for some of the best memories you could give us, your fans.