Rochester, Mn-

Riverland Community College leveraged a ten-run opening inning in the second game to earn a MCAC split against #6 Anoka Ramsey to shake up the playoff race in the Southern Division, while #9 Itasca CC earned two hard-fought victories against #8 Mesabi Range College to gain some ground in the Northern Division battle. 

With the Golden Rams 1-1 outing at Riverland,  fifth-ranked St. Cloud Technical and Community College takes over sole possession of first place in the Southern Division, as the Cyclones sit at 11-1 in conference play. A Tuesday match-up with ARCC will likely go a long way in deciding the Southern Division champion.  

Statistically speaking, the Southern Division has representatives in several Top-5 categories, including ARCC pitcher Quincy Gross who is second nationally in strikeouts (131), SCTCC's Ashley Pool who is tied for 4th in home runs (8) and fellow Cyclone Chloe Callahan whose 52 RBI's are currently the second highest total in NJCAA Division III softball. 

With Itasca's 8-6 and 7-6 wins over Mesabi, the Northern Division race is wide open and a busy week lies ahead for many  of the MCAC North teams.  ICC's pitching ace Mandi McNeil sits among the leaders in the NJCAA for wins (currently tied for 2nd at 15), while Rainy River CC has two Voyageurs recognized as Top-Five performers, with Cassie Tomczak's .575 batting average and Kamia Arbizo's 46 RBI's are both good for fifth in their respective categories. 

For further information on Minnesota College Athletic Conference softball, click here. 

Story courtesy of MCAC Sports