“Lundberg didn’t have his best stuff,” said NRHEG coach Jeff Reese. “Lassahn did an excellent job of holding down WEM’s offense, which gave us an opportunity to win. We need to shore up our defense.”

The Panthers traveled to the Metrodome in Minneapolis Friday, April 6 and lost 9-4 to two-time defending state champion Eden Valley-Watkins.

After giving up a run in the top of the first, the Panthers came back with four in the bottom of the inning but could muster no more.

“We had chances but could not get any crucial or timely hits with runners in scoring position,” said Reese. “Against the two-time defending state champions, we needed to play error-free defense and get crucial hits. We did neither.”

Lassahn was again hot at the plate, going 2-for-3. Lundberg was 2-for-4, Akemann 1-for-4 with a double and two RBIs.

Akemann took the pitching loss. He went five innings and allowed seven runs (six earned) on four hits, striking out six and walking five. Lassahn gave up two earned runs on two hits, with three strikeouts and two walks, in two innings of relief.

NRHEG returns to Legion Field Thursday to face JWP in a 5 p.m. Gopher Conference game.