Mankato East Softball

Carter Raymond became the 6th player in Minnesota history to get 1,000 strikeouts in her career Friday and added 30 more Saturday.

In Class A . Faribault Bethlehem Academy dropped out of the top ten without losing a game while fellow Gopher Conference team United South Central jumped into a tie for the top ranking.

Randolph, Bethlehem Academy, United South Central, Mankato East, Mankato West, Byron, Stewartville, Lyle/Pacelli, Southland, Rosemount, Farmington, Lakeville North, Lakeville South, Prior Lake, are all rated.

Randolph had one senior on this year's title team. Mankato East repeated as Class 3A champion to continue the Big Nine Conference dominance of the class. 7 of 8 titles to 5 different Big Nine schools.

Winona plays in third place game of Class 3A. Blooming Prairie saw their great season come to an end at the State Fastpitch Softball Tournament at Caswell Park in North Mankato.

New Prague, Winona, Randolph all stay in winner's bracket. Blooming Prairie will play in consolation bracket on Thursday, June 6, 2024

Section 1 is represented by Blooming Prairie, Randolph, Winona and New Prague. All those teams did receive a top 4 seed with coaches in the tournament conducting the voting.

The Faribault Falcons gave #4 rated Winona a great game. The Winhawks prevailed 2-1 in nine innings.

Randolph remains #1 in Class AA. In Class A Gopher Conference teams United South Central moved up to #2, Blooming Prairie stayed at #4. Three Big Nine Conference teams are among the Class AAA state elite. Three South Suburban Conference teams are atop the Class AAAA rankings.

The wins came for the Falcons despite committing 12 errors on the day including 7 against South St. Paul. Faribault is now 8-7 including 4 straight wins and goes to Winona Monday with a 5:00 p.m. first pitch scheduled.