DENVER, Colo. – The Regis University softball team earned its first series sweep of the season in record-setting fashion on Sunday as Game Four featured new single-game program records in most runs scored (22) and hits (21).
The Rangers (20-14 overall, 17-7 RMAC) secured its series sweep with two run rules as they defeated the Yellow Jackets (4-20 overall, 4-20 RMAC), 14-3, in Game Three and 22-12 in Game Four.
"I'm very proud of this group," said Regis softball head coach, Nicole Thompson. "Sweeping a team in the RMAC is tough and we worked very hard to accomplish this goal of ours this week. Our offense has been big for us all year and this unleashed offense in games three and four was a monster and fun to watch. It is nice to know that anyone in our lineup can be deadly at the plate."
How It Happened | Game Four: The Rangers got on board within their first two batters in their lineup following a double to center field from graduate student infielder Jessi Case. By the time the first inning was over, BHSU had the lead, 5-3.
Four separate extra-base hits and five singles bolstered a Ranger offense that scored 11 runs in the top of the second. Of the four extra-base hits, sophomore infielder Miia Campos hit her third home run of the season to tack on three more runs for the Rangers to make it 14-5 at the end of the half inning.
The Yellow Jackets continued to fight back in the bottom of the second as they answered with a crooked number of their own and added four more to close the deficit, 14-9.
Senior infielder Shayelyn Allen hit her second home run of the series over the left field fence to add another run for the Rangers in the top of the third. A string of singles added another two runs to widen the Regis lead, 17-9.
A home run from sophomore transfer Abby Larsen and a single from graduate student transfer Hannah Sisul continued to widen the Ranger lead, 19-9.
A three-run home run from the Yellow Jackets closed the gap to 19-12, but senior right-hander Abby Covington took over and took care of business and prevented Black Hills State from crossing the plate for the rest of the game.
With the score three runs from enforcing a run-rule, two singles from Campos and Sisul, and a sacrifice fly from freshman outfielder Olivia Wick secured the final three runs. Covington shut the door on the Yellow Jackets and ended the game with a strikeout.
Game Notes:
- Regis' 22 runs was the most in program history, breaking the previous record of 21 runs on April 26, 2014 against UCCS
- The 21 hits was also the most in program history, breaking the previous record of 20 hits on Feb. 26, 2022 against Adams State
Game Three | How It Happened: After a small time delay due to snow, the Rangers quickly got to work in Game Three of the Black Hills State series.
Larsen hit her first home run of the day to highlight the top half of the first inning that quickly put the Rangers ahead, 3-0.
The Yellow Jackets answered with three runs of their own in the bottom of the first to tie, 3-3.
A five-run fifth inning inflated the Rangers' lead to 8-3, thanks to a series of singles, a double, and a sacrifice fly highlighted by a two-run double from freshman Sienna Reed.
An explosive seventh inning sealed the deal for the Rangers as sophomore catcher Rachel Williams bookended a six-run offensive effort with a home run to right center for three runs.
Sophomore right-hander Kylie Harpman held BHSU to only three runs and earned her seventh win of the season after a seven-strikeout performance and no walks.
Game Notes:
Up Next: The Rangers host No. 12 Colorado Christian University with first pitch scheduled for 12 p.m. (MT) on Saturday.
