May 16, 2025
Local NewsState & National

Creston grad headed to NAIA World Series

By CHEYENNE ROCHE
Creston alum Nevaeh Randall (front row, third from right) is headed to the NAIA World Series with the Grand View University Vikings after they fended off the No. 1 ranked team in the country twice in three contests.

Creston alum Nevaeh Randall (front row, third from right) is headed to the NAIA World Series with the Grand View University Vikings after they fended off the No. 1 ranked team in the country twice in three contests. (GRAND VIEW UNIVERSITY phoot)

CHICKASHA, OKLAHOMA – The Vikings advanced to the NAIA Softball World Series as they won the opening round, fending off the No. 1 ranked team in the country twice in three contests this week.

Tuesday, Grand View University defeated No. 1 University of Science and Arts (Okla.) 3-1.

Wednesday, the Drovers won game one 10-3 to force the tie-breaking third game.

The Vikings came away with another 3-1 win to advance to the World Series, to be held in Columbus, Georgia, on May 22.

Creston 2024 graduate and Grand View freshman Nevaeh Randall was a big part of the Vikings’ success on day two.

Creston 2024 graduate Nevaeh Randall holds the opening round champion plaque Wednesday after the Grand View Vikings took down the No. 1 seed to advance to the World Series.

Creston 2024 graduate Nevaeh Randall holds the opening round champion plaque Wednesday after the Grand View Vikings took down the No. 1 seed to advance to the World Series. (GRAND VIEW UNIVERSITY)

In game two, Randall kicked off scoring for the Vikings with a three-run homer to center field.

On base again in the second inning, Randall was sent in on a single by sophomore Reese Cooley.

In the do-or-die game three, Randall went 2-for-3 at bat, scoring on a two-run homer by teammate Samantha Holbert, giving the Vikings a 2-0 lead in the first inning.

Both teams scored a run in the fourth and then were shut out through the end of the game, giving the Vikings the win and a ticket to the NAIA World Series.

The top 10 schools in the country will compete May 22-28 for the NAIA National Championship.

Cheyenne Roche

CHEYENNE ROCHE

Originally from Wisconsin, Cheyenne has a journalism and political science degree from UW-Eau Claire and a passion for reading and learning. She lives in Creston with her husband and their two little dogs.