The Central Community College softball team won the Region IX Tournament title with a 4-3 win over North Platte Community College in the decisive third game of the series.
The Knights opened the scoring in the top of the first for a 1-0 lead. CCC's Tori Mullen nixed a potential home run as she grabbed the long ball right in front of the wall. The Raiders then added a run in the bottom of the first to even the score at 1-1.
CCC added single runs in the third, fifth and sixth innings to take a 4-1 lead, while keeping the Knights scoreless.
In the seventh inning, NPCC's Kayleigh Bucio singled to right field, which allowed two runners to cross the plate to cut into the CCC lead, 4-3. The Knights were in position to move ahead with runners on first and third, but the Raiders were able to hang on for the win.
CCC's Ashten Gibson was the winning pitcher, while NPCC's Emily Marsden took the loss.
The win gives the Raiders a 13-22 record, while the Knights finish the season at 16-29.
Up next, CCC will battle Southeast Community College in the best-of-three Region IX Championship series in Beatrice. The first game is set for 4:30 p.m. on Friday, followed by the second game at 6:30 p.m. If a third game is necessary, it will be played at noon on Saturday. The games will be played at Hannibal Park Softball Complex.