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Pioneers sweep divisional playoff play-in series, advance to regional tournament

Athletics

Pioneers sweep divisional playoff play-in series, advance to regional tournament

Northland will face Rainy River Community College on Wednesday, May 16 at 4:00 PM



THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn., MAY 15, 2018 – The Pioneers baseball team has qualified for the 2018 Region XIII Baseball Tournament in St. Cloud, Minnesota, at the Municipal Athletic Complex. The Pioneers (21-15, 8-2) closed out the season with a five game winning streak, including a MCAC Central Division playoff play-in series sweep over Central Lakes College to solidify a spot in the tournament.

NCTC athletics director Mike Curfman said, “The baseball team has been a lot of fun to watch this year as they are very balanced. They have good pitching and hitting, both areas were really on display in the opening playoff sweep over Central Lakes.” Curfman praised head baseball coach Sam Schumacher’s success during his first season with the Pioneers. “Sam has done a nice job of having them play well in a spring that has been tough with all the schedule changes due to the weather. We wish them the best of luck at regionals.”

The tournament bracket will feature #1 Century College, #2 Riverland Community College, #3 St. Cloud Technical and Community College, #4 Northland Community and Technical College, #5 Rainy River Community College, #6 Itasca Community College, #7 Rochester Community College and #8 Hibbing Community College. The Pioneers will face Rainy River CC at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, May 16.

Coach Schumacher said, “I think everyone has learned a lot throughout the season, specifically how we need to play to be successful. We have a really great group of guys that understand the details that go into being a good team. I’m excited to watch them continue to grow.”

In the double elimination style bracket, the two remaining teams will compete in the championship game on Saturday, May 19 at 4:00 PM. The regional champion will earn a bid to the NJCAA DIII National Tournament in Greeneville, Tennessee, on May 26, 2018.

NJCAA Region XIII Tournament Schedule:

Wednesday, May 16 – Quarterfinal Round

4:00 PM: #1 Century vs. #8 Hibbing

4:00 PM: #4 Northland Pioneers vs. #5 Rainy River

7:00 PM: #3 St. Cloud vs. #6 Itasca

7:00 PM: #2 Riverland vs. #7 Rochester

View the 2018 Region XIII Tournament bracket

For more information on Northland athletics, follow the Pioneers on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also watch select home games streamed live online at nctctv.com.