DENVER, Colo. – With the regular season coming to a close, and the race for tournament seeding heating up, the Regis University softball team secured a crucial Day One split against the Colorado Mesa University Mavericks.
Game Two saw the Rangers (26-18 overall, 23-11 RMAC) secure a 3-2 win over the Mavericks (26-15 overall, 24-9 RMAC) thanks to a crucial double from freshman outfielder Olivia Wick in the top of the fifth to secure the game-winning runs.
Game One came down to the final out as Colorado Mesa managed to score on a walkoff single.
"Today we played well enough to win both games," said Regis softball head coach, Nicole Thompson. "We had chances but very glad we came away with a split. It is also good to do that day one on the road."
Game Two | How It Happened: Despite being out-hit, 10-5, the Rangers hit when it count, going 2-for-8 with runners in scoring position while the Mavericks hit a measly .071 (1-14).
The Mavericks' only earned run came from a home run in the bottom of the seventh.
A RBI ground out from freshman designated hitter Sienna Reed allowed the Rangers to strike first in the top of the second, with CMU answering with a run of their own in the bottom of the third.
Wick knocked her two RBIs in in the top of the fifth with a shot to left center while the Mavericks answered with a lone home run in the bottom of the seventh in attempt to tie the game, but sophomore right-hander Kylie Harpman stepped in and secured the final groundout of the game.
"[Olivia] Wick has been one of our most consistent hitters that has came up clutch over and over," said Thompson. "Today was just proof of her great mindset, preparation and grind she puts in at the plate. She never backs down in pressure moments and it's awesome to see that in a freshman."
Game Notes:
- Olivia Wick led all Rangers in RBIs with two
- Rangers' pitching staff combined for five strikeouts
- Freshman Vanessa Candito secured her fourth win
Game One | How It Happened: A back-and-forth opening game to the weekend eventually tipped in the Mavericks' favor as the Rangers managed four runs on 12 hits but eventually fell short.
WIck and Reed both combined for the Rangers' four runs with two RBIs each, featuring a walked-in run from Wick in the top of the third inning.
The final at-bat for CMU was the deciding factor as the game was tied, 4-4, through seven and two-thirds innings. The Mavericks walked-off Game One with a single to shortstop.
Game Notes:
Up Next: The Rangers continue their series against the Mavericks on Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for 11 a.m. (MT).
"Tomorrow we take the good from today, learn from things make adjustments and end this series on top," said Thompson.
