DENVER, Colo. - The Regis University Ranger softball team split in doubleheader action to close out their series against the Colorado School of Mines Orediggers. The Rangers opened the day with a 6-2 win but let a 5-1 lead slip late in game two as the Orediggers stole a 6-5 win to avoid the sweep.

In game one, Mines brought two across in the opening half inning but RU matched that and then some in the bottom half of the first to take a 4-2 lead. Four players recorded RBIs as Regis took advantage of the Orediggers batting through the order and recording five hits.

RU forced Mines to leave nine runners on base throughout the remainder of the game bringing two more across in the bottom of the sixth to seal the victory.

Nicole Aviles earned the win on the mound pitching in all seven innings and recording three strikeouts.

In game two, CSM put up one off a solo shot to left in the top half of the first to lead 1-0 but the Rangers responded once again with three of their own in the bottom half. Nicole Hull brought runners around with a triple that scored two and Carlie Sexton followed with a sacrifice fly to left to score Hull and give Regis a 3-1 lead.

On two hits, the Rangers took advantage of three errors in the bottom of the fifth to extend the lead to 5-1. It was not until the final two innings when Mines began applying pressure to the RU lead adding another to the board in the top of six.

Mines saw an extremely productive top of the seventh scoring four runs on five hits to control a slight 6-5 lead heading into the final half inning of the series. Unfortunately, Regis was unable to convert off singles from Rachel Illias and Aviles to leave two on base and close out the series taking three games from the Orediggers.

Rachel Illias led RU offensivley going 3-for-7 in the box coming across the plate three times. Hull and Sexton had two RBIs on the day. 

Regis will remain on their home field hosting Colorado Christian Saturday, March 19 and Sunday, March 20. Game times are at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.