Northfield spring sports

l o o h c S h g i H d l e fi h t Nor 17 Wednesday, April 12, 20

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GIRLS LACROSSE

BOYS TRACK AND FIELD

GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD

BOYS GOLF

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BASEBALL

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BOYS TENNIS

GIRLS GOLF

BOYS LACROSSE

PAGE 2

NORTHFIELD SPRING SPORTS

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

BOYS TENNIS

Spring Sports Spotlight April 2017

A special project of the Northfield News 115 W. Fifth St., Northfield, MN 55057 www.southernminn. com/northfield_news Editor/Publisher: Chad Hjellming Associate Editor: Nick Gerhardt Sports Editor: Matt Paulsen Creative Services: Jenny Schoenbauer, Kate Townsend-Noet, Kayla McMullen Sales Associates: Joan Koester The Northfield News’ 2017 Spring Sports Spotlight is distributed to subscribers and readers of the Northfield News at no additional charge.

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Experienced group set to lead

By MATT PAULSEN

Despite trying to figure out a game plan, they finished the year at 12-6 overall and 9-2 in Big 9 After graduating three big Conference play.

While there are still a few pieces from their lineup, the Raiders experienced some turnover things to be decided when the regular season gets underwayheading into last season. mpaulsen@northfieldnews.com

experience won’t be as big of an issue.

“We have quite a few members with experience and several seniors on the team this season,” Northfield head coach Mark Johnson said. “Depth should be

Miller. Others to watch out for include Tim Roback, Joe Kreis, Ellis Orjala, Larson Ringlien, Griffin Rod and Jeremy Nelson.

While regular season

See TENNIS on 10

2017 SPRING SPORTS SCHEDULES Baseball Thursday, April 13 Faribault at Northfield, 5 p.m.

Saturday, April 15 Northfield at Austin, 12 p.m., double header at Austin Riverland Community College Tuesday, April 18 Northfield at Albert Lea, 5 p.m.

Friday, April 21 Northfield at Rochester Century, 5 p.m.

Tuesday, April 25 Mankato West at Northfield, 4:30 p.m. double header at Dundas Memorial Park Thursday, April 27

Red Wing at Northfield, 5 p.m.

Tuesday, May 2 Northfield at Winona, 5 p.m.

Thursday, May 4 Northfield at Rochester Mayo, 5 p.m.

Tuesday, May 9 Northfield at Faribault, 5 p.m.

Thursday, May 11 Albert Lea at Northfield, 5 p.m.

Tuesday, May 16 Northfield at Mankato East, 7 p.m.

Thursday, May 18 Northfield at Owatonna, 4 p.m. double header at Owatonna Dartts Park

Monday, May 22 Northfield at Rosemount, 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 27 Varsity Section Tournament TBD Monday, May 29 Varsity Section Tournament TBD Saturday, June 3 Varsity Section Tournament TBD Tuesday, June 6 Varsity Section Tournament TBD Softball Thursday, April 13 Northfield at Faribault, 5 p.m.

Monday, April 17 Stewartville at Northfield, 4:45 p.m.

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a team strength. Hopefully they serve well, return well and will be in matches. It looks to be a good season.”

Those returning include a trio of senior captains in Christof Zweifel, Dez Young and James

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Friday, April 21 Rochester Century at Northfield, 5 p.m.

Monday, April 24 Henry Sibley at Northfield, 5 p.m.

Tuesday, April 25 Northfield at Mankato West, 5 p.m.

Thursday, April 27 Northfield at Red Wing, 5 p.m.

Tuesday, May 2 Winona at Northfield, 5 p.m.

Thursday, May 4 Rochester Mayo at Northfield, 5 p.m.

Friday, May 5 Kasson-Mantorville at Northfield, 5 p.m.

Monday, May 8

Red Wing at Northfield, 5 p.m.

Tuesday, May 9 Faribault at Northfield, 5 p.m.

Thursday, May 11 Northfield at Albert Lea, 4 p.m. double header at Albert Lea Monday, May 15 Northfield at Farmington, 4:45 Tuesday, May 16 Northfield at Mankato East, 5 p.m.

Thursday, May 18 Owatonna at Northfield, 4 p.m.

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PAGE 3

BOYS TRACK AND FIELD

Northfield strives to improve

By MATT PAULSEN

mpaulsen@northfieldnews.com

When Northfield began its season last week, what one sees early hopefully won’t be what they see late. The team may be young, but head coach Scott Peterson sees it improving as the season moves along.

“They will be a work in progress through April,” Peterson said.

“We will gear up for sections in May with better performances as the season progresses.”

Senior Gus Foss became Northfield’s first male athlete to reach the Class 2A state meet in

four years after his career-best jump of 21-4 ¼ in the long jump last year. Foss didn’t advance out of the state prelims but hit one of his best jumps on the year at state in St. Paul. He finished with a distance of 19 feet, 11 ½ inches.

In addition to Foss, the other seniors on the team this season include Brendan Aug, Christian Bohlen, James Craig, Theron Hartwell, Robert Kopas, Calvin Landsteiner, Haakon Larsen, Brady Malecha, Luke Meyers, John Miller, Benjamin Mohlke, Sebastian Prue, Clay Quiring, Lars Ripley, Trent Swartwoudt, Joel Vandergon, Zachary Vander-

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wood and John Vitito. onds. Junior Benjamin Palmquist will need to develop depth across While the Raiders look to im- finished seventh in the high jump the board and figure out where prove in the coming season, they with a distance of 5-8. Senior best to put people,” Peterson said. will face some tough competition Benjamin Mohlke placed 20th “Our senior crew will have to set in the months ahead. Lakeville in the 400 meter dash with a time a good example.”

South won last season’s Section of 54.23.

Two years ago, the RaidIn what could be considered a ers finished 15th at the section 1AA meet with 169.50 points.

Hastings finished second with a work in progress, Northfield will meet with 11 points. Last season, score of 113. Rochester Century rely on its seniors to set the tone. Northfield finished 14th at the was third with a score of 97, Owa- It may take time to figure out the section meet with 15.5 points. The tonna placed fourth with a score lineups and get things underway. Raiders will hope a hard working of 82. Lakeville North rounded Proclaimed as senior-heavy, Pe- bunch can keep improving. out the top five with a total score terson mentions the pole vault, “We are more well-rounded of 71. long jump, sprints and distance this season,” Ripley said. “A Junior Kenyon Nystrom runners as some of his team’s bunch of good guys who want 3 South, • finished 15th overall in the1101 main Hwy strengths entering Northfield the sea- to compete and set some PRs 507-663-0236 1600-meter run at sections with son. (personal records). Work hard an 4th inexperienced we and•we can do well.” a time of 4 minutes, 52.93 sec- 525“As NW Street,team Faribault 507-332-7040

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Northfield opened its season in New Prague last Thursday, April 6. The Raiders now get 12 days off before a meet in Owatonna also including Rochester John Marshall at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18.

The section meet is set for Thursday, June 1 and Saturday, June 3 at Lakeville South High School. The state meet will be Friday and Saturday June 9-10 at Hamline University in St. Paul.

Reach Sports Editor Matt Paulsen at 645-1106. Follow him on Twitter @NFNewsSports

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NORTHFIELD SPRING SPORTS

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

SOFTBALL

GIRLS GOLF

Experience to lead Raiders Raiders build off last year

By MATT PAULSEN

mpaulsen@northfieldnews.com

Last season Northfield finished its regular season in the upper half of the Big 9 Conference standings, finishing with a 10-10 record in the regular season. With a good number returning from last season’s team, the Raiders will look to keep improving.

“My expectations for the season are that we continue to get better,” Northfield head coach Ryan Pietsch said. “Keep the trend going and make it a fun experience while being competitive.”

The Raiders return seven upperclassmen this season.

Seniors on the team include pitcher Sierra Barck, catcher Olivia Keske and outfielder Katarina Smith. The team will consist of just two freshman in infielder Anne Fossum and pitcher Emma Johnson.

Pietsch lists hitting as the

Raiders main strength.

“A handful are going on their second, third year,” Pietsch said.

“They have seen varsity pitching and know what to expect.”

Adding to the experience, both pitchers also return for Northfield.

If there is one thing Pietsch will look for his team to improve upon, it is base running and taking advantage of extra runs.

Boding well for Northfield, the Raiders will return a number of their statistical leaders from a season ago. Caroline Pritchard led the way with a .353 batting average. She was also second on the team with 12 RBIs. Jillian Noel finished third on the team with a .313 average. She led the way with two home runs and 15 RBIs. In addition to finishing with a .338 batting average, Barck took care of business on the mound, leading the way with nine wins and

46 strikeouts.

While the Raiders look to be competitive, they have their work cut out for them. Pietsch lists Winona and the Mankato teams as his team’s strongest competition for the upcoming season. The three teams finished atop the conference last year.

Mankato West actually made it all the way to the AAA state title game, where its defeated Winona 4-3.

While it is never easy, the Raiders return a solid group with experience at the varsity level.

“We have a really great tight knit group,” Keske said. “As long as we work hard we should be successful.”

The first home game for the Raiders is set for 4:45 p.m. on Monday, April 17 against Stewartville.

Reach Sports Editor Matt Paulsen at 645-1106. Follow him on Twitter @NFNewsSports

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By MATT PAULSEN

mpaulsen@northfieldnews.com

With another season set to get underway, Northfield will look to continue on after some impressive team and individual finishes from a season ago.

As a team, the Raiders finished second in the conference and third in sections. Northfield placed second in the conference with a team score of 350.

The Raiders finished third at the 1AAA meet with a two-day total of 716.

Molly Stevens represented the Raiders at the Class 3A state tournament last year with a 14th-place finish. She finished with a two-day total of 157 at Bunker Hills Golf Club.

Stevens, a sophomore on this season’s squad also won the Big 9 Conference title and joined teammates Emma Iverson and Taylor Pleschourt (both seniors this season) as all-conference

recipients.

“We have an experienced team and I think we can be competitive,” Northfield head coach Brian Stevens said. “I am excited to see how far they go.”

The four all-conference selections was the most during Stevens tenure as head coach.

Stevens’ state berth extended Northfield’s streak of having a state representative to nine-straight seasons. The Raiders will return five seniors this season. Along with Iverson and Pleschourt, the remaining seniors include Marissa Ruppe, Mary Baumgartner and Betsy Schuerman. Northfield will be without last season’s fourth allconference recipient Elizabeth Schwartz.

Stevens lists Red Wing, Rochester Mayo and Lakeville North as the Raiders toughest competition entering the season. Both the Wingers and Panthers finished first and second respec-

tively at the Section 1AAA meet a season ago.

Headlined by an experienced crew, Stevens mentions the short game as Northfield’s strength heading into the year.

“A team strength would be our short game,” Stevens said “The goal is to get your ball in the hole as quickly as you can.”

As practice begins, the Raiders are looking forward to getting going.

“We’re experienced only losing one senior from last year,” Iverson said. “We are excited for the season. It should be fun.”

Northfield will open its season at home starting at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 13 at the Northfield Golf Club against Mankato East.

Reach Sports Editor Matt Paulsen at 645-1106. Follow him on Twitter @NFNewsSports

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PAGE 5

BASEBALL

Raiders ready for run at state

By MATT PAULSEN

mpaulsen@northfieldnews.com

Wins were certainly not hard to come by for Northfield in 2016.

Winning 10 straight to end the regular season, the Raiders made it all the way to the state tournament, losing in the opening round to Henry Sibley 3-1, be-

fore bouncing back to defeat both North Branch and New Ulm to win the consolation tournament.

They ended the season with a record of 22-6.

Unlike other teams this spring, the Raiders won’t be lacking in senior leadership as over half of the team’s roster to enter the season is currently made up of seniors

while the other half is filled with juniors. The team will be seeking its third straight trip to the state tournament, after finishing in fourth back in 2015.

“We expect to compete,” Northfield head coach Mark Auge said. “Returning five starters, we should be in every game with solid pitching. They should

be a fun team to watch. We teach them to play the game the way it is supposed to be played.”

Northfield will be led by Division-I prospect Hunter Koep.

Koep signed a letter of intent to play baseball at North Dakota State next season. He hit .388 with 20 RBIs and four home runs last year. On the mound Koep went

5-1 with a 1.54 ERA in 50 innings.

In addition to Koep, Ross Beumer and Conner Malecha were named all-conference honorable mention. Nic Zabel received a Class 3A All-Tournament team selection.

The Raiders finished 2016 with a .312 team batting average. They scored 159 runs, while

picking up 135 RBIs and 34 stolen bases while being caught stealing just seven times. On the mound, Northfield finished with an ERA of 2.15 with 185 strikeouts.

Auge lists Owatonna, Red Wing and Rochester Mayo as his team’s strongest competition this

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NORTHFIELD SPRING SPORTS

Wednesday, April 12, 2017 BOYS LACROSSE

GIRLS LACROSSE

Raiders plan to compete

By MATT PAULSEN

mpaulsen@northfieldnews.com

With girls lacrosse becoming a varsity sport just three years ago, Northfield was able to find some success a season ago. The Raiders made it all the way to the Section 1 semifinals before losing to top-seeded Lakeville South. Despite graduating nine

seniors who played a significant role in setting program firsts, the team should still be competitive in 2017.

“We are rebuilding but will still have a good year,” Northfield head coach Dan DuPay said. “A number are ready to step up from junior varsity and the girls coming back can compete in the conference. We can

finish in the top two again in the conference.”

The Raiders finished with a winning record for the first time last season. They won their first playoff game, hosted their first playoff game and finished second overall in the Big 9 Conference standings.

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Good Luck Teams!

Raiders gear up for the season

By MATT PAULSEN

mpaulsen@northfieldnews.com

Just about everything that could go right went right for Northfield last season. Making it all the way to the Section 1 semifinals, the Raiders will try to stay on top as a new season is set to begin.

Northfield won 13 straight games to end the season after losing its opener to Chaska. This was including an 11-5 victory over Rochester Mayo to claim the Big

9 Conference title. The team finished with an overall record of 13-2 and mowed through conference play with a perfect 8-0 record in the Big 9.

“We put ourselves on the map in the south metro last season,” Northfield head coach Gunnar Olson said. “It should be fun to see how we do with respect now that we are no longer doormats.”

The Raiders lose nine seniors off of last season’s roster, but that shouldn’t be an issue moving for-

ward. Olson lists his team’s depth as a strength to enter the year.

“I am confident throwing any of the 25 out there,” Olson said.

Northfield may have lost nine seniors, but it will still have nine when the season opens later this month. This season’s seniors include Griffin Loecher, Chase Marlenee, Nick Kvernmo, Jackson Cloud, Max Heil, Quinn Beithon, Zach Waldemar, Olaf Sorenson

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PAGE 7

BOYS GOLF

CLAY TARGET

Raiders chase the Big 9 title

Clay target grows in numbers

By MATT PAULSEN

mpaulsen@northfieldnews.com

Northfield finished as Big 9 Conference co-runners-up a season ago. With 40 golfers out this season, the Raiders will try to take that next step and come out on top.

“We have a strong upcoming team,” senior Andrew Kivell said. “We are chasing the Big 9 championship with a real chance to win. It should be a good sea-

son.”

In addition to finishing as co-runners-up with Red Wing, the Raiders finished in third place at the Section 1AAA tournament after shooting 318 in their first round and 321 in the second round. Their two-round total of 639 was 13 strokes behind Lakeville North for second.

While no one made it to the state tournament, a couple golfers set to return were knocking on the doorstep.

Junior Casey Parker finished just one shot shy of qualifying for state, while senior Henry Hofstad was right behind, finishing two strokes back.

While Northfield aspires to have a successful season, head coach Adam Danielson is hoping his team keeps showing improvement.

“A goal for this season will

See BOYS golf on 11

By MATT PAULSEN

mpaulsen@northfieldnews.com

Northfield finished fourth overall in the conference standings last season. With some of its biggest numbers to date, it will look to improve upon that finish as another year gets underway.

The Raiders finished 11th at the Minnesota State High School Clay Target League Championship last season

with a team score of 462. New Prague captured the title with a score of 491. Derek Salaba was the high gun for Northfield with a 96. He was one of six to shoot 90 or better. Salaba’s 96 put him in a tie for 12th overall in Class 8A. The team was able to send a shooter to the Minnesota State High School League state tournament. Ashton Croy placed 48th at the MSHSL state tournament at the Minneapolis Gun Club. Croy

finished with a two-session total of 92.

The team started practice for the 2017 spring season fielding the largest team yet with 97 shooters competing in the novice, junior varsity and varsity categories. The team is comprised of 87 returning shooters along with 10 newcomers.

The top 10 scoring males returning from last season include

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NORTHFIELD SPRING SPORTS

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD

Raiders return many with speed

By MATT PAULSEN

mpaulsen@northfieldnews.com

While only sending one to the state meet last season, Northfield had multiple girls make the section finals and a number of underclassmen step up and show promise as a new season gets underway.

Mya Jirik will return for her senior season after representing the Raiders at the state meet last year. Jirik made the Class 2A state finals in both the 100-meter dash and 200-meter dash. She placed seventh in the 100 with a time of 12.59 seconds, while finishing

ninth in the 200 with a time of 25.92.

Jirik has run in the Class 2A state meet the past three consecutive years. Back in November she signed a Letter of Intent to run track at Minnesota State University, Mankato next year.

In addition to Jirik, other Raiders made it to the Section 1AA finals last year. Both Grace Acheson and Bailey Hoffer made the finals in the 100-meter hurdles. Hoffer will be a senior on this season’s team, while Acheson will be a sophomore. Acheson also qualified in the 400. Senior Emma

7 / 4 2

Rezac qualified in the 200-meter dash, while junior Katie Brust fell one spot shy in the 800. Brust did however finish with a season-best time of 2:25.04.

With the largest roster numbers in four years, head coach Troy Cohrs will have some options to work with.

“We have a lot of returners with speed and skill,” Cohrs said.”

A goal this season is to get back to state with at least one to three girls and maybe break a school record.”

Cohrs lists the short sprints, 4x100 relay, 100 hurdles, discus, high jump and long jump as some

team strengths this season. He also mentions Jirik, Hoffer, Rezac, Brust, Marissa Thornton, Karissa Ricks, Emma Roethler, Bryn Mucha and Annalee Olson-Sola as some names to watch entering the season.

“I’m excited to get started,” Hoffer said. “It should be good, I hope we’re successful.”

While Northfield will have a strong nucleus of upperclassmen, a number of freshmen showed promise a season ago. Things started taking shape near the end of April last season during a triangular meet in Red Wing. Elizabeth Acheson won the 400-meter

dash with a time of 1:00.92 while Karissa Ricks won the pole vault by clearing 9 feet. Kasey Mohlke took second in the pole vault after clearing 8-6.

The trio above, along with Grace Acheson will look to start their sophomore season with some momentum after experiencing varsity competition last year. That extra year of experience from the underclassmen can only help the rest of the team move forward and find success this coming year.

The Raiders will have their hands full in Big 9 Conference

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play. Rochester Century, Red Wing, Mankato East, Owatonna and Austin claimed the top five slots during last year’s Conference Championship meet.

Northfield opened its season last Thursday, April 6 with a victory in New Prague. It takes a week off before heading to Owatonna High School for a meet against Owatonna and Rochester John Marshall at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18.

Reach Sports Editor Matt Paulsen at 645-1106. Follow him on Twitter @NFNewsSports

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Wednesday, April 12, 2017

NORTHFIELD SPRING SPORTS

PAGE 9

Schedule: Entire Northfield High School 2017 Spring Sports lineup From Page 2 double header Wednesday, May 24 Varsity Section Tournament TBD Saturday, May 27 Varsity Section Tournament TBD Tuesday, May 30 Varsity Section Tournament TBD Thursday, June 1 Varsity Section Tournament TBD Boys Tennis Thursday, April 13 New Prague at Northfield, 4:30 p.m.

Monday, April 17 Northfield at Hastings, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, April 19 Lakeville South at Northfield, 4:30 p.m.

Monday, April 24 Northfield at Lakeville North, 3:45 p.m.

Tuesday, April 25 Northfield at Owatonna, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 27 Northfield at Rochester Mayo Tuesday, May 2 Northfield at Winona, 4:30 Thursday, May 4 Faribault at Northfield, 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 6 Northfield and Albert Lea at Rochester John Marshall, 9 a.m.

Saturday, May 13 Northfield at Conference Tournament, 9 a.m. at Rochester Outdoor Tennis Center Tuesday, May 16 Section Team Tournament, 4 p.m.

TBD Thursday, May 18 Section Team Tournament, 4 p.m.

TBD Tuesday, May 23 Section Team Tournament TBD, 9 a.m. at Lakeville South Thursday, May 25 Section Indivdual Tournament TBD, 9 a.m. at Lakeville South Tuesday, May 30 Section Individual Tournament TBD, 9 a.m. at Lakeville South Track Tuesday, April 18 Boys track: Northfield and Rochester John Marshall at Owatonna, 4:30 p.m.

Girls track: Northfield and Rochester John Marshall at Owatonna,

4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 25 Boys track: Northfield and Rochester Mayo at Faribault, 4:30 p.m.

Girls track: Northfield and Faribault at Rochester Mayo, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 2 Boys track: Northfield and Red Wing at Mankato West, 4:30 p.m.

Girls track: Northfield and Mankato West at Red Wing, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 9 Boys track: Northfield at Farmington, TBD Girls track: Northfield at Farmington, TBD Tuesday, May 16 Boys track: Northfield and Winona at Rochester John Marshall Girls track: Northfield and Rochester John Marshall at Winona Friday, May 19 Boys track: Northfield at Stillwater, TBD Girls track: Northfield at Stillwater, TBD Thursday, May 25 Boys track: Northfield at Mankato West for Conference Meet, 10:30 a.m.

Girls track: Northfield at Mankato West for Conference Meet, 10:30 a.m.

Boys Golf Monday, April 17 Austin at Northfield Golf Club, 1:15 p.m.

Tuesday, April 25 Northfield and Winona at Owatonna Country Club, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 2 Northfield and Rochester Mayo at Mankato West, 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 3 Northfield, at Lake City Jewel Golf Club, 2 p.m.

Thursday, May 4 Austin, Bloomington Jefferson, Bloomington Kennedy, Burnsville, Mankato West, New Prague, Rochester Century, Rochester John Marshall, Rochester Mayo and St. Peter at Northfield Invite, 2 p.m.

Monday, May 8 Albert Lea and Red Wing at

Northfield Thursday, May 11 Northfield at Red Wing Invite, 12:30 p.m.

Friday, May 12 Northfield at LeSueur Country Club for Invite 8:30 a.m.

Saturday, May 13 Northfield at Creeks Bend Golf Course for Invite, 9 a.m.

Monday, May 15 Northfield, Rochester Century, Faribault and Rochester John Marshall at Rochester Eastwood Golf Course, 2:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 20 Northfield at Owatonna Invite, 10 a.m.

Tuesday, May 23 Northfield at Rochester Eastwood Golf Course for Conference Tournament, 10 a.m.

Wednesday, May 24 Northfield at Baker National Golf, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 1 Section Meet at The Jewel, TBD Saturday, June 3 Section Meet at The Jewel, TBD Girls Golf Thursday, April 13 Mankato East at Northfield, 2:30 p.m.

Monday, April 17 Northfield at Irondale Invite, 1:30 p.m.

Northfield at Austin, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 18 Northfield at Red Wing, 12:30 p.m.

Monday, April 24 Northfield at Chaska, 11 a.m.

Thursday, April 27 Owatonna and Winona at Northfield, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 2 Northfield and Mankato West at Rochester Mayo, 2:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 4 Chanhassen, East Ridge, Forest Lake, Lakeville North, Mounds View, New Prague, Owatonna, Red Wing and Wayzata at Northfield Invite, 2 p.m.

Tuesday, May 9 Northfield at Red Wing Invite, 12:30 p.m.

Friday, May 12 Northfield at Rosemount, 2 p.m.

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Tuesday, May 16 Northfield, Rochester Century and Rochester John Marshall at Faribault, 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 17 Northfield at Lake City Jewel Golf Club, 2 p.m.

Monday, May 22 Northfield and Albert Lea at Red Wing, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 23 Northfield at Red Wing for Conference Tournament, 10 a.m.

Thursday, June 1 Section Meet and Cannon Falls Golf Course, TBD Monday, June 5 Section Meet at Cannon Falls Golf Course, TBD Boys Lacrosse Monday, April 17 Rochester John Marshall at Northfield, 6 p.m.

Thursday, April 20 Lakeville South at Northfield, 6 p.m.

Friday, April 21 Owatonna at Northfield, 6 p.m.

Monday, April 24 Northfield at Rochester Century, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 27 Northfield at Rochester Mayo, 7:30 p.m.

Monday, May 1 Mankato at Northfield, 6 p.m.

Friday, May 5 Northfield at Rochester John Marshall, 7:30 p.m.

Monday, May 8 Hastings at Northfield, 6 p.m.

Friday, May 12 Northfield at Owatonna, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 13 Northfield at Shakopee, 5 p.m.

Monday, May 15 Rochester Century at Northfield, 6 p.m.

Friday, May 19 Rochester Mayo at Northfield, 6 p.m.

Monday, May 22 Northfield at Mankato, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, May 30 Section Tournament, TBD Friday, June 2 Section Tournament, TBD Tuesday, June 6 Section Tournament, TBD

Girls Lacrosse Tuesday, April 18 Northfield at Rochester John Marshall, 7:15 p.m.

Friday, April 21 Northfield at Owatonna, 5:45 p.m.

Saturday, April 22 Tartan at Northfield, 12:15 p.m.

Tuesday, April 25 Rochester Century at Northfield, 5:45 p.m.

Thursday, April 27 Rochester Mayo at Northfield, 5:45 p.m.

Tuesday, May 2 Northfield at Mankato, 5:45 p.m.

Friday, May 5 Rochester John Marshall at Northfield, 5:45 p.m.

Monday, May 8 Northfield at Hastings, 7 p.m.

Friday, May 12 Owatonna at Northfield, 6 p.m.

Saturday, May 13 Northfield at Shakopee, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 16 Northfield at Rochester Century, 5:45 p.m.

Friday, May 19 Northfield at Rochester Mayo, 7:15 p.m.

Monday, May 22 Mankato at Northfield, 5:45 Tuesday, May 30 Section Tournament, TBD Friday, June 2 Section Tournament, TBD Tuesday, June 6 Section Tournament, TBD Clay Target Sunday, April 16 Reserve Week Sunday, April 23 Competition Week 1 Sunday, April 30 Competition Week 2 Sunday, May 7 Competition Week 3 Sunday, May 14 Competition Week 4 Sunday, May 21 Competition Week 5 Monday June 12-20 State Championships at Alexandria Saturday, June 23 MHSL State Tournament at Prior Lake

Baseball: Raiders back after two straight trips to state tourney From Page 5

season.

“We are in a great baseball conference,” Auge said.

At the end of the day, a strong group of returning seniors certainly know what it takes to make it to the state tournament. The Raiders will begin the drive for three straight tournament appearances in a few weeks.

“We should be good,” Beumer said. “We have a strong returning class with strong pitchers which are necessary come playoff time.

It’s a great group of guys.”

The Raiders are home against Faribault at 5p.m. on Thursday, April 13.

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Glax: Northfield strives to remain competitive despite losing nine contributors to graduation From Page 6

While Northfield will attempt to initiate some new faces into the fold this year, it will be aided by a sturdy group of returning seniors.

“We have great leaders who will teach the girls how to play the game,” DuPay said.

Those returning leaders will include Kieran Rodning, Tori Salaba, Mallory Tidona and Kate Bornhauser. Hannah Edwards and Joan Erickson will join Rodning, Bornhauser and Salba as seniors on this season’s team.

“It should be a good building year for the program,” Salaba said.

“There are spots to fill and the younger kids are ready to step up.”

Northfield finished its regular season with an 8-5 overall record last year. The team finished 7-3 in

Big 9 Conference play.

DuPay mentioned Owatonna as his team’s toughest competition entering the season. The Huskies defeated the Raiders 7-2 last April on their way to a first-place finish. Despite the loss, Northfield was still able to outshoot Owatonna 24-19. The Raiders played the Huskies tough a few weeks later, falling 10-6 after pulling within a goal in the second half.

Primarily a second half team, Northfield scored 50 goals in the second half compared to 32 in the first. The Raiders will have to move forward without leading scorer Brooke Carey, who graduated last year. Rodning scored over 20 goals on the season, but no other returnee cracked doubledigits, so scoring opportunities

will be up for grabs.

With a younger team, it can sometimes be tough to set the tone and know what to expect as a season progresses. This is where the leadership and experience of those returning can shine.

“Hard work and implementing a strict practice schedule will help,” Rodning said.

The Raiders will open their season at Rochester John Marshall starting at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18. They then take on Owatonna starting at 5:45 p.m. on Friday, April 21. The girls return home for their opener against Tartan at 12:15 p.m. on Saturday, April 22.

Reach Sports Editor Matt Paulsen at 645-1106. Follow him on Twitter @NFNewsSports

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Blax: Depth a strength for the Raiders this year From Page 6

and Lane Dornbusch.

The Raiders lost leading scorer Jase Simon (42 goals, 18 assists). They return four of the next five scorers in Marlenee (34 goals, 11 assists), Beithon (23 goals, 15 assists), Loecher (19 goals, 18 assists) and Kvernmo (18 goals, 15 assists).

Marlenee received all-section honors and was named all-conference. Dornbusch was also named all-conference. Loecher and Beithon were named allconference honorable mention.

Northfield should be expected

to make a push for the state tournament after falling short last year.

Olson named Lakeville South as one of his team’s toughest competitors. It was those same Cougars that knocked the Raiders out of the section tournament last year.

That being said, after running through the conference a season ago, there is no hiding that Northfield is the team to beat.

“There are a lot of tough games in the conference,” Olson said. “Certainly no love lost after last season.”

In addition to depth, Olson says he has excellent shooters “who can really shoot the ball”

and is deep down the middle as his team’s other strengths.

Time will tell if the Raiders can meet their goals, but one thing is certain. It should definitely be an exciting season.

“I am excited to get going,” Marlenee said. “We have a lot of guys returning and should be good this year.”

Northfield will open its regular season at home against Rochester John Marshall at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 17. The Raiders then get another crack at Lakeville South. They are home against the Cougars starting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 20.

Tennis: Northfield returns several seniors back From Page 2 experience is nice, a number of Raiders also worked on honing their skills in the off-season.

“A number of us played in the off-season during the summer and winter,” Miller said. “We’re really excited to get going.”

The team has a number of spots locked in, but there is still some work left to do. Johnson is still trying to figure out his doubles formations and find a fourth singles competitor.

Northfield ended last season taking third place overall at the Big 9 Conference tournament.

They finished with 18 points.

Rochester Century won the conference title with 22 points, edging out Rochester Mayo who finished with 20 points. Johnson named the Panthers and Spartans as his team’s toughest com-

petition entering the season.

The Raiders also made things interesting in the Section 1AA tournament, defeating Faribault in the opening round, before losing to Lakeville North 5-2.

“We have a good conference and nasty section,” Johnson said.

Although none advanced past the first day of the Section 1AA individual tournament, a few advanced out of the first round.

Young won two matches before falling to the No. 1 seed in the semifinals. Roback opened with a 6-0, 6-0 victory before losing his next match.

At the end of the season, Zweifel was named all-conference while Young, Roback and Miller were named all-conference honorable mention. Miller also won the team’s Raider Spirit award while Zweifel won the team’s hardest worker award. Roback

and Orjala won the most improved award. Altogether, the five give Northfield a solid core to build upon to enter the year.

At the end of the day, Johnson just wants his team to compete and maybe steal a game or two.

“Our goal for the season is to beat teams we were maybe not supposed to beat on paper” Johnson said.

With the season set to get underway, it falls on the seniors to rally the troops and get everyone on the same page ready to go into battle.

“The seniors are trying to get everyone hyped up for the season,” Zweifel said.

The team’s strength lies in its depth and group of seniors, but looking at the lower levels, the cupboards are not entirely bare.

“We have some talent in the lower grades,” Young said.

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Boys golf: Northfield vies to take step forward From Page 7

be improvement. I want them to keep getting better as the year goes on.”

In addition to Hofstad and Kivell, the remaining seniors this season include Harrison Dowd and Noah Johnson. The remaining upperclassmen in addition to Parker will be Jimmy Fischer and Matthew Gaub.

The experience is nice, but with 40 guys out, a big strength for the Raiders this season will be with their depth.

“We have a lot of depth this season,” Danielson said. “Competition for spots should make everyone better.”

It was in fact that depth that

helped Northfield compile a 10-1 overall record in the Big 9 a season ago leading into the conference tournament. While the Raiders are in a good position to be competitive this season, the Raiders will not be alone.

Danielson mentioned Red Wing and Mankato East as his team’s toughest competition as the season gets set to begin.

Those names shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to longtime followers of the program, as both found success a season ago. Mankato East completed an undefeated run through the conference to claim first, while Red Wing shared co-runner-up duties with Northfield.

Despite the tough competition, this is a deep Raider squad who will be prepared when things get going this month. After finishing fifth in the section two years ago and third last season, Northfield is certainly trending in the right direction.

“This is a hardworking group,” Danielson said. “They are fun kids to be around and competitive.”

After starting their season on the road, the Raiders return home to Northfield Golf Club to take on Austin starting at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, April 17.

Reach Sports Editor Matt Paulsen at 645-1106. Follow him on Twitter @NFNewsSports

PAGE 11

Clay Target: Northfield boasts largest team yet From Page 7

Croy, Jimmy Fischer, Noah Miller, Sam Miller, Luke Schewe, Clay Quiring, Garrett West, Derek Salaba, Bruce Boudreau, Eric Etzell and Cole Dack.

The girls return Katie Brust, Elizabeth Evenson, Shelby Mathews, Emily Rinas, Suzy Running, Riley Stevens, Hannah Boudreau, Mary Baumgartner, Liv Sorenson and Nicole Malecha.

Schewe, Brust and Sam Motzko were elected captains at the pre-season safety meeting.

“All three have been on the team for multiple years and create a welcoming environment and continue to foster great ideas to continue to improve the program,” Northfield head coach Scott Quiring said. “We as coaches are excited about our prospects for the 2017 season with so many returning athletes and the continued improvements of all athletes we witnessed over the past fall season and so far this year.”

Croy was ranked the top shooter in Class 8A with a season average of 24.5. Shelby Mathews was ranked No. 1 in the junior

SPORTSMEDICINE/ORTHOPEDICS Northfield•Lakevile•Farmington

varsity girls division with a score of 437.

The clay target season begins on Sunday, April 16. Shooters compete at the Morristown Gun Club. The clay target shooting championship is set for Monday, June 12 in Alexandria. The MSHSL state tournament is set for Saturday, June 24 in Prior Lake at the Minneapolis Gun Club.

Reach Sports Editor Matt Paulsen at 645-1106. Follow him on Twitter @NFNewsSports

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