Top Three Ranked Teams Miss Class 2A State Softball
The top three rated Class 2A teams by the Minnesota Softball Coaches Association (Maple Lake, Cotter/Hope Lutheran and Zumbrota-Mazeppa) did not make it to this year's state tournament which opens Thursday. Caswell Park in North Mankato is the site for the action. Cotter and Z-M were in the same section with state entrant Rochester Lourdes. Maple Lake was upset by Norwood-Young America.
The Raiders of Norwood-Young America (23-2) received the top seed and were rated #4 in the latest coaches poll. N-YA was rated #4. They open with Esko (18-6). #2 seed went to Rochester Lourdes (22-3) ranked #7. Their 3 losses were to Faribault, Cotter and Zumbrota-Mazeppa. They did avenge their losses to Cotter and Z-M. The Eagles face Annandale (17-8) in their opener.
#3 seed is Pipestone Area (24-2). The Arrows were #8 in latest rankings and start the tournament with Concordia Academy of Roseville (21-4) tied for the #4 state ranking.
#4 seed went to Thief River Falls (23-3) who plays #5 seed LeSueur-Henderson (18-7).
Maple Lake was the title holder last year cruising to an 11-1 five inning win over St. Peter in the championship game.