SPEARFISH, S.D. – The Regis University softball team outscored opponents 12-1 to go ahead 2-0 in the series against the Black Hills State Yellow Jackets (5-33, 3-27 RMAC) after the first day of play.
 
Melissa Heronema was most consistent for the Rangers on the offensive side of the ball going 5-for-6 with two runs and an RBI while earning one walk. Delaney McGinn chipped in going 3-for-6 at the plate, including two doubles, and recording a team-high three RBIs, three runs on the day and two stolen bases.
 
How It Happened | Game 1: The Rangers took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the second when Macy Cox singled up the middle with bases loaded to score Lauren Hernandez. In the top of the third, Regis extended their lead to 3-0 first on a McGinn double down the left field line and then on a single to left field from Logan Losh on the very next at bat.
 
RU exploded offensively in the top half of the fifth bringing five more across the plate. McGinn and Alyssa Finger recorded a pair of sacrifice bunts that turned into fielder's choice scoring two runs. A series of three RBIs in a row later in the inning from two singles and a sacrifice bunt gave the Rangers an 8-0.
 
RU quickly notched two outs in the home half of the fifth, gave up one walk and turned the final out to enforce the run-rule and end the first game early.
 
Game Notes: Losh threw in all seven innings on the mound giving up just one run while notching her 20^th win and sixth shutout on the season. Losh also added a 2-for-3 performance at the plate with one RBI. The Rangers outhit the Yellow Jackets 9-1. Heronema led Regis offensively going a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate, including a triple, with one run and an RBI. McGinn and Cox led the charge with two RBIs a piece. RU stole five bases as McGinn led with two.
 
How It Happened | Game 2: The Yellow Jackets managed to score the first and only run of the day in the bottom of the first due to a throwing error during a stolen base attempt. The Rangers quickly evened the score in the top of the second at 1-1 as Laura Scheffel scored Heronema on a single up the middle.
 
Bradey King scored the go-ahead run in the top of the fifth on a double to right center bringing Scheffel across the plate. Headed into the final inning, RU held a 2-1 lead. On two outs, in the seventh, McGinn doubled to score Michelle Larose who was pinch running for Hernandez and Carlie Sexton followed that up with a single to score McGinn.
 
Game Notes: Heronema led the Rangers at the plate again going 2-for-3 drawing one walk and scoring one run. RU outhit BHSU 12-4 leaving eight runners on base. Taylor Armitage pitched in all seven innings for her seventh complete game and sixth win. King and McGinn each recorded a double both going 2-for-4 and combining for two RBIs and one run.
 
Up Next For The Rangers: Regis will look to sweep the series against Black Hills State Sunday, April 23 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.