North St. Paul at Hastings
4:15 p.m., Thursday, April 14

Hastings has started the season with back-to-back victories over Metro East Conference rivals Mahtomedi and Hill-Murray, but the Raiders (2-0) will get a big test against league contender North St. Paul on Thursday.

The Polars and Hastings shared last year’s conference title, and one team will get an early leg up in the league standings with a victory in this contest.

Raiders sophomore pitcher Lauren Ernst allowed three hits while Rachel Reinke and Anna Milton drove in three runs apiece in an 11-2 win over the Zephyrs in the season opener on April 4. Two days later, Ernst gave up two runs on four hits in a 7-3 victory over Hill-Murray.

North St. Paul (1-0) started the season with a 10-1 win against South St. Paul behind a 14-hit attack.

Megan Rubbelke led the way with a 3-for-4 performance that included two RBI and two runs scored. Ryan Crotty drove in three runs while going 3-for-4 and scoring two runs as well.

Madeline Greer earned the win after giving up one run on six hits and striking out eight.