The Forest Lake Rangers had been 0-for-5 in State Softball Championship games before breaking through with the program’s first state title last year. They head back to North Mankato this week looking to go back-to-back as Class AAAA Champs.

Click the video box above to watch KSTP Sports’ interviews with Forest Lake Rangers softball senior catcher Bethany Weiss, junior pitcher Hannah Tong, freshman pitcher Avery Muellner and head coach Sean Hall

RELATED: Forest Lake advances to state with 8-0 win over Andover

The reigning champs made it back to State with a 20-3 record this season and a definitive 8-0 win over Andover in the Section Championship that saw a complete game shutout by junior pitcher Hannah Tong.

Tong and co-ace pitcher freshman Avery Muellner give the Rangers a formidable one-two punch as starters, to go with a deep lineup with solid bats and gloves all around.

RELATED: The 2023 State Softball Tournament page on the Minnesota State High School League website

The Rangers made it to the Class 4A Final in 2021 then won their championship in 2022 so, in addition to back-to-back titles, they’re also looking for a third straight appearance in the championship game.

Click the video box below to see KSTP Sports’ segment on Forest Lake’s hope for a title defense as it aired on 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS