Comeback win

The Central Lakes College Raiders defeated North Dakota State College of Science in volleyball Wednesday, coming from behind to avenge last week's loss to the Wildcats. Losing the first two games, 21-25 and 19-25, CLC was on the ropes and refused to give the Division II visitors a shutout. CLC won the third game, 25-23, then gained momentum for a 25-19 triumph to set up the deciding 15-point game, which went for the fired-up Raiders, 15-6. Freshman Lindsay Monson poked 15 kills and put up 3 blocks while assisting on numerous other means to thwart the NDSCS attack. Another force in the middle was sophomore Alanna Hansen, who slammed 11 kills. The balanced CLC unit showed its defensive savvy with digs and blocks spread across the squad. Sophomore Hayley Hornick led with 10 digs, while soph Crysta Christensen and frosh Tiffany Hartung and Amanda Larson each had 7. Tiffany showed her setting skills with a game-high 16.  Rookie setter Keinna Wurtinger dished out 9 set assists. First-year standout Sami Knott continued to play solid ball with 8 kills, 6 set assists and 3 digs. Numerous ace serves punctuated the strong CLC attack, which awaits  Minnesota West and St. Cloud Tech on Friday in the triangular at St. Cloud. The Raiders are 2-3 and hungry for more exciting, enjoyable team volleyball.

Tough competition

The Central Lakes College volleyball team opened its 2012 season against some very good teams at the Ridgewater showcase of powerhouses from Iowa, North Dakota, Montana, and Minnesota. The Raiders defeated Dawson Community College of Glendive (3-0) but lost to North Dakota State College of Science (1-3) on Friday. They suffered two losses on Saturday -- to Ellsworth, Iowa (2-3) and the defending national champs and No. 1-ranked Ridgewater team (0-3). On the last day Tiffany Hartung (shown) notched 56 assists, seven aces, four digs, and a block for CLC. Against Ellsworth Sami Knott racked up 15 kills. Alanna Hansen added 12 kills. Crysta Christensen contributed 17 digs vs. Ridgewater. On Friday vs. Dawson Tiffany notched six aces and 25 set assists and against NDSCS she amassed 20 kills plus one ace serve. Hayley Hornick had 18 digs on the day. Next: Vs. NDSCS here, Wed., Aug. 29, 6:30 p.m.

Raiders lose

All-Division sophomore Jerry Guerrero’s 40-yard field goal glanced off the upright and through the goal post as time expired to clinch the win as the Northland Pioneers edged our Central Lakes College Raiders, 30-28, in the season opener for both teams Thursday night at Thief River Falls. A 35-yard completion from Northland quarterback Edin Kovak to Aaron Doriat had put the Pioneers on the CLC 23-yard line. The little guy (5-3, 135) from Thief River Falls showed why he is one of the league's best placekickers by winning the game for his team with 0:00 on the clock. Raiders quarterback Andrew Johnson (shown) scored three touchdowns, all on one-yard sneaks. Northland’s Darian Nelson scored three of his team’s touchdowns, notching two touchdown runs and a 35-yard TD reception.  Beau Bellmore scored for CLC in the third quarter on a six-yard run, and Andrew Leonhardt kicked two PATs. Johnson tossed a PAT pass to Blake Petrich in the fourth quarer, which saw the teams score a total of 38 points. The Raiders had three touchdowns called back due to penalties. Next: Saturday Mesabi Range at CLC, 1:30 p.m.

Great leadership

The 2012 Central Lakes College volleyball season begins Aug. 24 and 25 at the impressive Ridgewater College event that brings together top teams from Iowa, Montana, and North Dakota as well as perennial powers from Minnesota. Coach Jane Peterson said her Raiders are blessed with leadership and a strong sense of "team" among five retruning athletes fro 2011 -- Carlie Sweet, Hayley Hornick, Alanna Hansen, Alice Widmark, and Crysta Christensen. She said the Raiders should be "more powerful" and offer a variety of offensive options with a strong blocking game and tenacious back row. This is a well-rounded team, and thekey to success may be how well the seven new recruits adjust to the faster pace of collegiate volleyball.

Promising outlook

Central Lakes College Head Football Coach Greg Medeck is calling the 2012 season outlook "promising" as the Raiders gear up for their 2012 debut at Northland (Thief River Falls) at 6 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 23. "Camp has been going well," said the coach and former CLC athlete (1997 & 1998), who has compiled a record of 41 wins and 14 losses in his first five seasons. The roster includes 55 student athletes. "We have a strong group of returners (25) along with five transfers and some very talented freshman," he said. "This group has blended well in the first week and a half and they are eagerly anticipating the first game against a strong Northland team." The Pioneers are coming off an appearance in the MCAC title game and should provide a good test for CLC in week one. "We are seeing good competition at every position," Greg said. "The outlook is promising for the 2012 season for this experienced and motivated squad."