The St. Cloud Technical & Community College Cyclones Softball Team is headed to the NJCAA Division III National Tournament after clinching the Region XIIIA Championship on Saturday, May 14.
The Cyclones hosted the tournament at River’s Edge Park in Waite Park as the #1 seed in the tournament. After rain delays, the teams took to the field on Friday, May 13, with the Cyclones’ first win over Minnesota West, 6-0. Then the team took on Anoka-Ramsey with a 5-3 win. Anoka-Ramsey won the loser’s bracket, and the Cyclones took them on a second time to win the tournament, 13-1 in five innings.
Molly Carnell was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, and All-Tournament Team members include: Carnell, Kami Dougherty, Terri Tretter, and Rainna Stangle.
“Our coaches and players have done an amazing job of working toward qualifying for the National Tournament again,” said Nate Hiestand, Athletics Director. “Their reward is a regional championship and to be able to test themselves against the best in the country at NJCAA DIII in Syracuse, NY. I’m looking forward to seeing what they can do. They are a special group.”
The Cyclones finished the regular season 38-3 overall and 16-2 in conference. This is the sixth time Cyclones Softball has headed to nationals, with the last time in 2019. The National Tournament will be held in Syracuse, NY, May 25-28.