NORTH MANKATO, Minn. — Cretin-Derham Hall left fielder Audrey Michel went back to the fence, leapt up and snared a ball that was potentially going over the fence for a Mankato East home run in the top of the sixth inning to preserve the Raiders’ 1-0 lead in the Class 3A softball state tournament title game at Caswell Park.

Center fielder Samantha Haider raced over and nearly tackled her teammate to the ground in excitement.

“Last year, Sami did it two times, she met the fence and caught it on the fence, and we all were super excited,” Michel said. “When you have a close game and you make a play that keeps it a close game, it’s all really exciting for everyone. I know everyone wanted it so bad, so the excitement was just rushing through everyone.”

Raiders coach Carolyn Osdoba said the play was “incredible,” and noted how it signified Cretin-Derham Hall’s effort on Friday.

“They put it all on the field, and that’s all you can ask for in a championship game,” Osdoba said, “so I’m very proud of them.”

That they delivered such an effort likely provides the top-seeded Raiders a little added comfort following their 6-1 loss to third-seeded Mankato East, which rallied with six runs in the final inning to win its second straight Class 3A championship.

Mankato East slugger Hailey Petzel opened the top of the seventh with a solo shot over the center-field fence to tie the score at 1-1.

“It was the best feeling in the world. I was screaming, I was throwing my hands up. It was awesome,” Petzel said. “I was so happy. Finally being able to score, especially in the seventh, I feel like it shifted the momentum to our side.”

Osdoba noted that hit wasn’t necessarily a surprise. Petzel is known for hitting bombs.

“It was unfortunate after that that we couldn’t pull it together and get those outs (after that),” Osdoba noted.

From there, Mankato East simply put balls in play, and mental and physical errors seemed to snowball for the Raiders (20-7), as the Cougars (20-6) largely used small ball to score their next five runs and all but put the game out of reach.

“It was crazy. We were all screaming,” Petzel said of the Cougars’ dugout during the seventh inning. “I think I lost my voice at one point.”

Sometimes, when the avalanche starts to roll, it’s tough to get it to stop.

“That can definitely be difficult,” Osdoba said. “You’ve just got to take a deep breath, do the best you can and stick with it.”

Cretin-Derham Hall’s lone run in the game came in the bottom of the fourth inning on a two-out base hit to right by Maddie Mulcahy. But even that play felt like the Raiders left something on the table, as a base-running snafu ended the play and the inning.

Still, that felt like it might be enough for Raiders pitching ace Brooke Nesdahl, who has been sensational all season in the circle for Cretin-Derham Hall.

“She pitched basically every inning for our team this season, which is incredible. She’s a competitor,” Osdoba said. “I couldn’t ask for more from Brooke.”

But Mankato East did what champions do, finding a way to apply pressure and scratch things out when it mattered most.

Friday serves as another learning lesson from an extremely young Raiders roster, which will lose just one senior starter to graduation.

A year ago, Mankato East edged the Raiders in 10 innings in the state semifinals en route to a title. This time around, Osdoba said her team was far more comfortable in the state tournament environment. And the Raiders took yet another step.

Now they know what the championship game atmosphere is all about. Friday marked the Raiders’ first title game appearance since 1991. The excitement around the program was evident from the fans in purple shirts who lined the fences.

“This team, what a phenomenal season,” Osdoba said. “Our athletic director pointed out how big the crowd was, how many people came to watch, which was super cool, and a bunch of little girls came to watch. So hopefully they can remember the community support and that aspect of things. … It sucks (losing this game). But hopefully eventually we can look back at the season and be proud of all we accomplished.”

And look forward to what may still be to come.

“We want to be the first team to win a state championship. … We’re excited just to be better and come back next year,” Michel said. “Even last year, getting third place, we wanted it so much more this year. And I know that getting second this year, we’re just going to want it that much more next year.”

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By WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS (AP Business Writer)

NEW YORK (AP) — Kia America is recalling nearly 463,000 Telluride SUVs — and urging owners to park their cars outside and away from other structures until an issue posing a fire hazard is fixed.

The front power seat motor on the affected Tellurides from the 2020-2024 model years may overheat because of a stuck slide knob, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That could potentially result in a fire while the car is parked or being driven.

Kia made the decision to recall the vehicles on May 29, NHTSA documents published Friday show, after receiving reports of one under-seat fire and six incidents of localized melting in the seat tilt motor between August 2022 and March 2024. No related injuries, crashes or fatalities were reported at the time.

The recall report notes that strong external impact to the recalled Tellurides’ front power seat side cover or seat slide knob can result in internal misalignment — and with continuous operation, that can cause overheating. People driving vehicles with the issue may find they can’t adjust the power seat, may notice a burning or melting smell, or see smoke rising from underneath the seat.

To fix this, dealers will install a bracket for the power seat switch back covers and replace the seat slide knobs at no cost. Until the vehicles are repaired, owners are being instructed to park their cars outside and away from buildings.

Owner notification letters are set to be mailed out starting July 30, with dealer notification a few days prior. Irvine, California-based Kia America did not immediately respond to The Associated Press’ request for comment on why these notifications wouldn’t begin until the end of next month.

In the meantime, drivers can also confirm if their specific vehicle is included in this recall and find more information using the NHTSA site and/or Kia’s recall lookup platform.

The recall covers 462,869 model year 2020-2024 Tellurides that were manufactured between Jan. 9, 2019 and May 29, 2024. Kia America estimates that 1% have the defect.

This isn’t the only recall impacting Kia Telluride owners. In March, Kia America said it would be recalling more than 427,000 of 2020-2024 Telluride SUVs due to a defect that may cause the cars to roll away while they’re parked.

Just last fall, Kia and Hyundai announced previous “park outside” recalls for 3.4 million other car and SUV models due to the danger of engine compartment fires. Amid long-delayed repairs, many of those vehicles remained on the road months later, posing serious concerns from drivers and consumer safety advocates.

Hyundai owns part of Kia, though the two companies operate independently.

“By voting on The People’s Money, New Yorkers are not just selecting projects; they are participating in a shared vision for our city’s future.”

CityViews are readers’ opinions, not those of City Limits. Add your voice today!

In the heart of New York City, a vibrant revolution is unfolding. Sunshine-yellow “Sunnies,” small clay sculptures adorned with bright red hearts, are emerging across our beloved city. These figures are not merely art installations; they are symbols of democratic engagement, urging New Yorkers aged 11 and up to participate in “The People’s Money,” our citywide participatory budgeting initiative. The deadline to vote is June 12.

As The People’s Artist at the Civic Engagement Commission (CEC), I envision these Sunnies as more than mere decorations. They are emissaries of hope and reminders of the power of collective action. Each Sunny, crafted with care by immigrant female heads-of-household, embodies the inclusivity and diversity that are the lifeblood of our democracy.

Citywide participatory budgeting, born from a local referendum in 2018, empowers residents to propose and vote on projects that will enrich their communities. This democratic process is a celebration of grassroots involvement, where every voice, regardless of age or immigration status, can make a difference. Strategically placed in schools, parks, libraries, and community centers, the Sunnies invite every New Yorker to engage in this communal endeavor.

Art, at its core, mirrors our society’s values, struggles, and dreams. The Sunnies, with their heart-forward design, represent a vision of empathy and optimism. They encourage us to imagine a future where community needs are met through shared decision-making and mutual respect. By employing and empowering immigrant women to create these figures, we reinforce the message of inclusivity and equity. Each Sunny stands as a testament to the belief that democracy flourishes when it is participatory and inclusive.

The People’s Money initiative exemplifies how art can seamlessly blend with civic processes. These sunshine sentinels are not just charming sculptures; they are tools of engagement, fostering a culture of active participation. In a city renowned for its diversity and dynamism, the Sunnies remind us that democracy is not a spectator sport. It demands the involvement of all citizens, from young teenagers to elders, in shaping the future of their communities.

These Sunnies draw inspiration from beloved New York artworks, such as Tom Otterness’ whimsical sculptures in the subway station at 14th Street and Eighth Avenue. Such public art enriches our urban landscape and invites us to interact with our environment in meaningful ways. Similarly, the Sunnies transform everyday spaces into arenas of democratic action, bridging the gap between art and civic duty.

In a time when civic engagement often seems overshadowed by political polarization and apathy, the Sunnies offer a hopeful counterpoint. They are a visual and tangible reminder that every individual’s voice and vote are vital in the democratic process. By voting on The People’s Money, New Yorkers are not just selecting projects; they are participating in a shared vision for our city’s future.

As the Sunnies continue to appear in new and unexpected locations across New York City, they inspire a sense of community and shared purpose. They invite every resident to join in a democratic journey where care, optimism, and heartfelt action light the way. Through these sunny sentinels, we witness the profound power of art to support and sustain a thriving democracy, one Sunny at a time.

Join us. Embrace participatory democracy. Let the Sunnies guide us towards a future where optimism and heartfelt action define our collective path forward.

Yazmany Arboleda is New York City’s inaugural People’s Artist at the Civic Engagement Commission.