Local Sports for Friday May 7

Steve Arpin starts his third consecutive Nationwide Series race for J.R. Motorsports today in Darlington.

Qualifying goes this afternoon with the race live on TSN-2 in Canada and ESPN-2 in the United States beginning at 6 p.m. Central Time


It was a tough start to the provincial high school badminton championship in Stratford yesterday for members of the Fort Frances High School team.

Kamika Alexander and Chelsea Carlson dropped their opening match in doubles play, moving them to the B-side.

Rory Bagacki also lost his opening game in boys singles.



Sight and Sound edged Big Grassy Lightning 10-9 to open the Rainy River district Fastball league season in a game that saw the team combine for five home runs.

Bob Andy, who pitched the win, and Duane Carlson homered for Sight and Sound.

Jeff Morrison, Ryan Kirkrude and Billy Copenace hit balls out of the park for the Lightning.

Elsewhere it was Manitou beating Northwest Bay 12-9, Barwick belted the Big Grassy Braves 17-5 and Sabaskong held on for a 4-1 victory over Big Island

No score was reported from the game between Rainy River and Stratton.



Both Falls high school girls and boys track teams placed first at a meet Deer River.

Alicia Hendrickson won the pole vault and triple jump while Grace Thorstad took the long jump.

Wins were also earned by the 3200 meter, 800 meter and 400 meter relay teams.

Jake Jensen had three first place finishes for the boys team in the 100 meter dash, 200 meter dash and pole vault.

Brandon Richards took the shot put, Reggie Gorden won the 800 meter run with the 3200, 800 and 400 meter relay teams also getting firsts.



The International Falls Broncos were on the losing end of a slugfest with Eveleth-Gilbert yesterday, losing 13-11.



Rainy River Voyageurs women's softball team faces Rochester to open the Minnesota College Athletic Conference state tournament being played in Sauk Rapids today.

It's the Voyageurs' first trip to the tournament.