DENVER, Colo.:  The Regis Ranger softball program took the final two games of the four-game series with the Cowgirls of New Mexico Highlands University.  The women defeated the Cowgirls 5-4 in the ninth inning of the first game and finished the doubleheader winning 11-2.

The Cowgirls struck first, scoring two runs in the third inning of the first game.  They put up two more runs in the seventh to expand their lead.

The Rangers would score four runs in the seventh inning on three hits and two errors to even the score and take the game into extra innings. 

The eighth inning would prove scoreless for both teams, but Regis would score again in the ninth to clinch the win. 

It started with junior Shannon Massine singling through the left side with two outs.  Sophomore Breanna Backlund doubled to left field to bring Massine around the bases for a close play at the plate.  The junior dove toward the plate intent on scoring and did just that as the ball bounced off the catcher's mitt.

"All I was thinking was hit the ball hard and good things happen," commented Backlund on the final play.  "That's a tough situation and I was just ready to hit the ball as hard as I could."

"I saw that first pitch and hit it," she continued.  "I was more pumped about Shannon getting on base with two outs and didn't even round to go to third; I was just watching for her to score."

Backlund went 3-for-4 with one walk and one RBI.  Freshman Breanna Bogdajeiwcz went 2-for-3 on the day.

Senior Nikki Haberkorn (3-10) received the win for the game after slinging all nine innings, allowing 10 hits and one walk, while striking out three in 40 batters faced.

The second game proved to be just as exciting, as both teams scored one run in the first inning. 

With two outs in the first, Backlund started off the Rangers by singling to left field and stealing second on the next pitch.  Freshman Taylor Wilcox singled through the rights side to advance Backlund to third.  Wilcox got in a pickle while stealing second, allowing Backlund to score.

The Rangers would score again in the second inning with two outs.  Haberkorn, Bogdajeiwcz and freshman Rachel Illias all walked to load the bases for Massine to single through the left side and score one.  Backlund singled through the right side, earning herself two RBIs and stealing second on the throw. 

Both teams would not score until the Cowgirls took advantage of the fifth inning by putting up their last run of the game. 

The Rangers were ready to head home however, as they scored seven in the sixth inning to close out the game.  The women put up those runs on five hits and two errors.

Backlund went 2-for-4 with three RBIs, while Illias and Wilcox both went 3-for-4 with two RBIs.  Massine also went 2-for-4 while putting up one RBI for the women.  Three other Rangers had one hit apiece.

Freshman Molly Tyler (2-3) received the win after pitching 4.2 innings, allowing only five hits and two runs, while walking four and striking out one.  Sydney Gaffin was good for 1.1 innings, facing four batters and giving up no hits or runs.

The women will continue RMAC Conference play Wednesday, March 28^th at 2:00 and 4:00 PM.  They will take on Colorado Christian University at home.