Raiders defeat Itasca

Perfect division records clashed Wednesday night with the Central Lakes College Raiders capturing a crucial 12th win of the year against nationally third-ranked Itasca. Alanna Hansen led attack with 17 kills with Sami Knott and Lindsay Monson each totaling 11. Tiffany Hartung talled 43 set assists while Monson also knocked back five blocks. CLC dropped the first game 25-20, then prevailed 27-25, 25-15 and 25-19 to hand the Vikings their first Northern Division loss. “There was just one time in the first game where we had a lapse,” said CLC Coach Jane Peterson. “Other than that we were aggressive, upbeat and encouraging each other. It was a good team effort tonight.” CLC entered the game ranked 10th in the NJCAA Division III poll and with a 10-game winning streak on the line. The Vikings entered the showdown at 12-1 overall and 6-0. “It was good volleyball. Itasca played really good defense,” said Peterson. Division: CLC 7-0. Overall: CLC 12-3. Next: Raiders vs. Dakota-Bottineau at Wahpeton, N.D., 5 p.m. Friday, CLC vs. Dawson  (Mont.) at Wahpeton 8 p.m. Friday.