The Grand Forks Red River softball team didn't waste any time getting to experience late-game dramatics this season.
In Red River's first game of the season, the Roughriders pulled off a thrilling finish by scoring three runs with two outs in the final frame en route to a 6-5 victory over crosstown rival Grand Forks Central at Apollo Park.
Red River took a two-run lead into the sixth inning, but the Central bats came to life. The Knights scored four runs in the bottom of the inning. Left fielder Kat Reller drove in two runs with a triple to give Central a 5-3 lead.
But the Roughriders would stage a rally of their own to reclaim the advantage.
Catherine Dorsher capped off the seventh-inning rally by driving in Kenzie Dorsher from second with a clutch single.
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"This is just one of those games," said Red River coach Mike Bisenius. "They had the momentum, then we had the momentum. I knew we could do it; the girls just had to believe in themselves."
Janelle Carroll led the Riders with three hits in four at bats, including a double.
Central was led offensively by Olivia France, who went 2-for-3 with a run batted in.
"We stuck in there and battled hard," said Central coach Darin Schumacher. "We came from behind and took the lead, but we just didn't get that one last out."
Senior Rachel Koopman earned the win for Red River. Michaela Johnson received the loss for the Knights.
Red River and Central will square off again on May 17. Bisenius said he expects another close game.
"Central is a much improved team from last year," Bisenius said, "so we're going to have knock-down, drag-out games with them this year."
