DENVER, Colo. - The Regis University softball team (1-1) opened its season by splitting its doubleheader with the Nebraska-Kearney Loopers (1-1) Friday afternoon. The first game ended with a score of 6-8 in advantage of the Loopers while the Rangers took the 6-4 victory in the second game. 

Game One | How it Happened: Graduate student Taylor Armitage started on the mound for Regis, she only allowed one run and just six hits. 

Junior Jessi Case got the scoring going for RU when she got to second base after hammering the ball down the right field line. Then, senior Kynra Nelson reached first base on a throwing error which in turn sent Case home. 

Scoring got hot in the bottom of the fourth inning; graduate student Jade Loe, sophomore Jillian Bartley and freshman Ashlynn Balliet all crossed home plate to give the Rangers a 4-1 lead.

But, Nebraska-Kearney kept the runs coming in by scoring three and four runs in the fifth and sixth inning respectively. 
Regis did score two runs in the sixth, but it was too late as no runs were scored in the seventh. The game ended 6-8 in favor of the Loopers.

Game Notes: Graduate student Laura Scheffel and junior Madison Flores both hit home runs in the bottom of the sixth and each were credited a RBI. Regis finished with 11 hits and five RBIs. Four Rangers hit doubles in 32 at bats. 

Game Two | How it Happened: Freshman Megan Loveland had the first start of her career in the second game of the doubleheader. Loe and junior Carly Beard scored the first two runs for RU after a fielding error by the left fielder in the first inning. 

The Loopers scored a pair of runs in the second and third inning, but a strong showing from the Rangers in the bottom of the third gave them a comfortable lead of 5-2. Nebraska-Kearney scored another pair of runs in the top of the fifth, but a RBI from sophomore Logan Taylor that sent freshman Katherine Raper home sealed the deal for Regis. The final was 6-4 RU. 

Game Notes: In her first start on the mound, Loveland had seven hits and four runs, she also was credited the win for the Rangers, she is now (1-0). Sophomore Abby Covington relieved Loveland in the top of the fifth. She was credited the save and allowed zero hits to finish the game. 

Up Next For The Rangers: Regis returns to action tomorrow, Feb. 20, with a doubleheader versus Montana State Billings at the Regis Softball Field. The first game will start at 11 a.m. and you can watch it by clicking here.