Box Score 1 |
Box Score 2 Denver, Colorado- Conference tournaments are known for having a few thrilling games with the heightened sense of intensity. The softball battle between Regis University and Western New Mexico was no different extending to 13 innings. The Rangers and Mustangs both put runners in scoring position, but were unable to capitalize due to each team's impressive defense. Finally, in the bottom of the 13th inning with sophomore Alyssa Finger already on second, freshman Delaney McGinn laid down a sacrifice bunt and the Mustangs botched the routine throw to first. The error allowed Finger to round third and end the game at 3-2.
To start off the day, the Rangers took on Colorado Christian in the first round of the tournament and the game had quite the bit of dramatics itself. The Cougars put runs up on the board first in the top of the second inning taking an early 3-0 lead. Fortunately for Regis that would be the only scoring CCU could manage for the game.
In the bottom of the third the Rangers answered with two runs of their own. First, freshman Breana Pearsall scored thanks to a freshman Emily John fly out to center field. John's fly out also allowed senior Brianna Bogdajewicz to scoot over to second base. Next up, sophomore Bradey King knocked a single into left field to drive in Bogdajewicz. The Rangers had cut into the Cougar lead only down by one, 3-2.
Then, in the bottom of the sixth with King already standing on first, sophomore Carlie Sexton hit a two-run homer to give the Rangers a 4-2 lead. Junior Nicole Aviles sat down the Cougars in the top of the seventh in order to close out the game.
In the quarterfinal match-up against the Mustangs, the game saw three scoreless innings before anyone reached home. Western N. M. would score twice in the top of the 4th inning. Once again, the Rangers found themselves trailing halfway through the game.
In the bottom of the sixth, senior Taylor Wilcox cut the Mustang lead to just one when she scored off of a sacrifice fly from McGinn. In the bottom of the seventh, with their backs against the wall, the Rangers tied up the game. John was driven in by King's double to left center field. King would not move past second before the Mustangs got the third out and the game was headed to extras.
As each inning passed, the urgency to come away with a win grew not only in each team's dugout, but also in the stands. Inning after inning, batter after batter neither team could break through the other's defense. Finally, Finger doubled down the left field line igniting excitement from the Ranger dugout. When McGinn laid down her sacrifice bunt and Finger advanced, everyone figured that was going to be the end of the play. Rather it was the end of the game, the Mustang pitcher tossing an errant throw to first allowing Finger enough time to sprint down the third base line and score.
Aviles earned both wins on the day pitching a total of 16 innings, striking out 13 batters. Junior Nicole Hull started game two of the day working five innings, allowing just two runs on two hits and striking out five.
The Rangers combined for 19 total hits throughout both games led by Finger with four. RU advances to the semifinal game of the RMAC Tournament to take on Adams State at 2:30 p.m. at MSU Denver.
