SAM RIOLA

Blaine • baseball

The senior pitcher has emerged as the ace of the Bengals staff, relying on location and accuracy to post a 6-0 record, half of Blaine's total victories.

Last week, he didn't overpower Totino-Grace in an 8-3 victory. He was efficient, needing only 93 pitches to chalk up his second consecutive complete game and third of the season. He gave up one earned run, issued one walk and struck out seven. For the season, Riola has struck out 28 and walked only six while compiling a 0.83 ERA.

"I like to attack hitters. Go right after them with a first-pitch strike," Riola said. "The key is to not be afraid to throw a fastball over the plate, even if it's an 0-2 count."

When he wasn't on the mound, Riola made his presence felt at the plate. In a week in which Blaine went 3-1, Riola went 8-for-15 (.533) with four runs scored and two RBI. His overall success, Riola said, is the result of the players around him.

"This is definitely the best team I've ever been on in my life," he said. "Our catcher, Reid Conlee, being as good as he's been, has been a reason for my success, and I know the guys behind me are going to make the plays. It's made this season super fun. There's nothing better than getting the chance to play ball every day and win games."

LEXI DEBACE

Roseville • softball

The junior outfielder racked up 13 hits in 16 at-bats — a whopping .813 average — and scored six runs as the Raiders won three of four games. "She was honestly in on the key moments of every game," assistant coach Britt Bruzek said.

SAM LOM

Coon Rapids • softball

The freshman pitcher tossed her first career no-hitter, walking only two, in a 10-0 victory over Park Center. On the week, she pitched 16 innings over four games and picked up three victories. Batting leadoff, Lom hit .455 (5-for-11) with four RBI.

LEO PFARR

DeLaSalle • baseball

The junior pitcher/outfielder hit .727 (8-for-11) with three doubles, six RBI, six runs scored and three stolen bases as the Islanders won three of four games. He also pitched a one-hitter and struck out 11 in a 5-1 victory over St. Croix Lutheran.

MOLLY SWENSON

Anoka • softball

The senior pitcher has compiled a 7-0 record for the Class 4A, No. 2 Tornadoes, with three shutouts in her past four games. During her recent stretch, Swenson gave up only two runs and one walk in23 innings while striking out 42.

CHRISTOPHER UDALLA

Elk River • track and field

The senior leaper continued his breakout spring season in pacing the Elks to the Class 3A, Section 4 True Team title. He won long jump (22-6 ½) and triple jump (46-2 ¾), anchored the winning 4x100 relay team and was second in the high jump.

MAKENNA VAVRICHEK

Blake • softball

The eighth-grade catcher was a nightmare for opposing pitchers last week. In five games, she hit .625 (10-for-16) with two triples, two home runs, 13 RBI and four stolen bases. Blake went 4-1 for the week.

JIM PAULSEN

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