Battle Creek, Mich. -- The Raiders of Grand Rapids Community College are set to square off against the Cougars of Kalamazoo Valley Community College in the 2012 NJCAA Regions XII Tournament.  The winner of the tournament will advance to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament in Enid, Oklahoma May 26th through June 2.

While most teams have their hearts set on winning a National Championship, each must battle through a regional tournament to earn that chance.  GRCC is no different.  Four games stand between Bailey Park and David Allen Memorial Ballpark in Enid.  In their first game the Raiders must play their best nine innings of the season to stay on the winning side of the bracket while advancing to the next game.

Both squads have finished with some impressive numbers.  The Cougars completed their regular season 17-9 in the MCCAA and 39-16 overall.  The Raiders went 19-7 in the MCCAA and 39-16 overall.  While both teams have shared some losses at the hands of the same teams--Jackson and Macomb--the Raiders are 0-2 against the Cougars in 2012.

Despite their home field losses to the Cougars on April 26th, the Raiders are heading to Battle Creek to win. 

GRCC's team out bats the Cougars .330 to .316, but falls short of the Cougars in both fielding and on base percentages.  The Raiders have a team total of 298 RBI to KVCC's 332, but have double the home runs and feel their players are ready to get it done this post season.  Expect to see the Raiders hottest bats deliver on Friday.

Sophomores Carlos Berroa, Jared Theissen and Ryan Manning are swinging the bat exceedingly well right now.  Berroa is pacing his squad with a team high 61 hits and Manning has earned a .516 slugging percentage.  Theissen has knocked 4 out of the park and stole 22 bags this year.  He moved from batting 9th in 2011 to leading off in 2012.   

Sophomore reliever Eric Musselman made 25 appearances in 2012 with as many strikeouts.  He's eaerned six saves this season.  Brendan Bender is earning his keep as a dual role player.  He's filled in a void in the Raiders batting order while also delivering from the mound.   Benderis 5-3 pitching with a 2.32 ERA and 49 strikeouts while also batting .360.

Steve Ayala is batting .400 in conference after settling in behind the plate following two other Raider catchers landing on the DL due to injury.

According to Head Coach Mike Cupples, "I'm impressed with the whole squad.  Eachof these guys have a share in what we've accomplished this season.  I'm proud of what we've done so far, but we're focused on Friday." 

With literally everyone on the squad making contributions,  the Raiders feel they have a legitimate chance at earning the right to compete at the national level in 2012.