Aberdeen, S.D. ? The Lawrence Raiders are all too familiar with their surroundings in the Central Plains Regional. They’ve spent the last three years at the tournament chasing a trip to the American Legion World Series.

The Raiders earned their fourth trip to regionals thanks to a gutsy pitching performance by Scott Heitshusen in a 13-6 victory over Emporia in the AAA state championship game Aug. 1.

At 12:30 p.m. today, against the Minot (N.D.) Vistas – the North Dakota state champs – Lawrence will start another run at the regional tournament.

If Lawrence is to advance to its first World Series, it eventually will have to go through Rapid City (S.D.) – last year’s regional champ – and Eden Prairie (Minn.), winner of the 2004 regional.

With the double-elimination setup, the Raiders are guaranteed to play again Friday and, depending on the outcomes of the games, will face either Omaha (Neb.) Creighton prep or host team Aberdeen.

Fans can follow the game live online at http://livestats.legion.org:8080/2006/