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Softball upsets Chisago to nab share of conference titleBy Danielle Strenke It couldnít have played out more dramatically if it had been written on a script, as the North Branch softball team came through in the clutch with the conference title on the line. Last Thursday, the Vikings hosted Rum River Conference leaders Chisago Lakes, who came into the game with an undefeated 9-0 conference record. At 8-1, the Vikes knew their only way to claim their share of the title was to defeat the Wildcats in this the last conference game of the season. As the team has done so many times before, the squad remained solid and came through with key performances when they needed it. In a superb pitcherís duel, neither team was able to score through the first six innings of play. In fact, North Branch had only one baserunner through the first six, while Chisago Lakes had three left stranded on base. It came down to the bottom of the seventh, as North Branch knew it was time to score or send the game into extra innings. The first batter of the inning was senior Kate Sykes, who stepped up and promptly smacked the first pitch to deep right field, safely reaching for a triple. Junior Sarah Rauen then used her bat to hit a deep pop fly to right, allowing Sykes to tag and score for the game-winning run. Senior Jamie Schlagel pitched the complete game for the Vikes, striking out four. The outcome was two teams with identical 9-1 conference records, although the Vikes seemed unconcerned that they would be sharing the RRC title with the Wildcats. ìThis team is learning as they go and are playing their best right now,î head coach Larry Brodin said. ìThis was a huge win against an excellent team and should help us get ready for section tournament play.î Earlier in the week, the Vikings stayed alive in the conference with a 3-1 win over Sauk Rapids, led by Sykes who went 3 for 3 and junior Heather Peterson who went 2 for 3. This week, the team was set to begin South 7AAA section play with a home game Tuesday. ©ECM Post Review |