Thunder Looking For State Tourney Berth

May 1

Wes Vork-NSO

To say today’s games between the Fond du Lac Thunder and Hibbing Community in women’s softball are big would be putting it mildly. The Thunder need a sweep of the Cardinals to put themselves into state playoff contention.

“We have played four less games than everyone else in the northern division,” commented Thunder coach Kerry Rodd. “We trail Hibbing by six points, but a sweep would put us within two points of them with four more games to be played on Tuesday and Wednesday.”

The Thunder put themselves in contention on Friday by sweeping Vermilion Community College on the road by scores of 9-1 and 3-2 in Ely.

“Our pitchers threw well and we got timely hits,” explained Rodd. “We played our best ball of the season and I am excited about today and the chance we have ahead of us.”

In sports there is an old axiom that you want to be in control of your own destiny and not have to rely on another team to help you out and that is exactly where the Thunder are this morning.

“It is pretty simple. If we take care of business and win we are in,” said Rodd. “You can’t ask any more than to know exactly what you have to do.”

Ironically the Thunder are playing for a chance to play in the MCAC State Tournament which they will be hosting this weekend at Braun Park.

“It is what we’ve wanted all along,” commented Rodd. “We just wanted the chance to play in the state tourney and now we have to go for it.”

Wes Vork can be reached at wes@northlandsportsonline.com