Rochester, Mn--
Perfect playing conditions prevailed in the 2017 NJCAA Region XIIIB fastpitch softball tournament, and so did the Itasca Community College Vikings, as they rode the momentum of a strong season-ending run to take home the regional tournament trophy. With the hardware in hand, Itasca turns it's sights on a trip to Rochester for the 2017 NJCAA Division III Softball National Tournament.
A tightly contested regular season remained such in the post-season for the MCAC North. Central Lakes battled their way back from the loser's bracket with a Friday win over Mesabi Range College. For an encore, they then beat Itasca Community College in the first championship game, forcing a second, and final, deciding contest.
On Thursday, Rainy River dropped a pair of games, first to Mesabi Range (7-4) and then to Central Lakes (12-9). Both games were competitive, going into extra innings. Rainy River concluded it's season at 10-5 in MCAC play and 23-17 overall.
After it's initial win over RRCC, Mesabi Range College fell on Thursday to Itasca, sending the Vikings to wait in the championship round on Friday, while MRC had to compete with Central Lakes for the right to advance to the final. CLC was able to take down Mesabi, and claw their way back to the championship.
After the Raiders 4-2 win in game one of the championship round, Itasca rebounded and their NJCAA National tournament berth was earned on virtue of a 16 - 7 victory over Central Lakes.
For information on hotels, participating schools and other important items, be sure to visit: www.rochsports.org in planning a trip to the Med City for the NJCAA 2017 Division III Softball Championships.
To view final MCAC Northern Division standings and statistics, please go to: www.mcacsports.org
Story courtesy of MCAC Sports