Box Score 1 |
Box Score 2 LAS VEGAS, N.M. – The Regis University Ranger softball team grabbed two wins after day one of the road series against the New Mexico Highlands Cowgirls (5-8, 2-4 RMAC). After a rocky start to conference play last weekend, the Rangers bounced back to turn a 4-2 result in game one and a 12-0 shutout in game two.
Highlands outhit RU through game one 9-7 but it was the Rangers who were more efficient in scoring. The Cowgirls held a 1-0 lead after two innings but a solid top of the third quickly shifted control to Regis.
Nicole Hull reached on a walk and advanced to third from an Ashley Prescott double to left center. With no outs on the board, Bradey King singled up the middle scoring both runners and recording two RBIs. Rachel Illias closed out the inning with another double, this time to right field, scoring King and giving RU a 3-1 lead.
Throughout the remainder of the game, the Cowgirls were able to connect but a consistent Ranger defense kept Highlands from gaining any momentum. In the top of the sixth, RU added one more to the board, 4-1, as Alyssa Finger singled to left center to score Delaney McGinn. NMHU made one more last ditch effort in the bottom of the seventh scoring one run, 4-2, but Regis was able to close out the game to earn the win.
In the second game, the Rangers immediately took a 2-0 lead bringing one run across in each the first and second but it would be the top of the third that the Cowgirls would struggle to contain Regis.
Nine runs would score on eight hits in the top half of the third with help from five singles, two doubles, and a triple. RU batted through the line-up and McGinn started off the scoring tallying three RBIs on her triple to right field forcing the Cowgirls to make a pitching change.
That change would ultimately prove ineffective as the Rangers continued with the hitting frenzy. McGinn was brought home on a bunt from Finger to be followed by
Carlie Sexton recording a sacrifice fly that scored Finger and
Leah Gordon taking advantage of the Cowgirls throw down in an attempt to catch Breanna Pearsall stealing. Regis would then score four more runs on two outs to control a 12-0 lead.
Highlands tallied their first hit in the bottom of the third but RU's offense had completely thrown the hosts off their mark. The Rangers were able to get out of a bases loaded situation in the bottom of the fourth without allowing a run to then enforce the run-rule after five innings of play and complete the sweep of NMHU in day one of the four-game series.
Outhitting Highlands 21-13, Finger and King led the Rangers offensively on the day combining to go 7-of-13, Finger had four hits with a double and King with three. King batted in three runs and tallied a stolen base while Finger chipped in with two RBIs and a stolen base of her own. Illias was also extremely efficient at the plate for RU going 3-of-3 through both games with one double and a stolen base.
Nicole Hull pitched in all seven innings of the first game for Regis facing 34 batters and striking out four to allow just one earned run. Hull improved to a 5-2 overall record on the mound.
Nicole Aviles threw the second game for RU not giving up a hit through the first three innings. Aviles faced 23 batters and did not allow a single earned run as she improved to a 3-4 overall record.
The Rangers will face the Cowgirls in doubleheader action Sunday, February 28 to close out the series. First pitch is set for 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
