LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The Regis University softball team started postseason play on Thursday in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) championship tournament.
The Rangers (32-24 overall, 28-16 RMAC) won Game One against the Chadron State College Eagles, 9-4, while falling to the Metropolitan State University Denver Roadrunners in Game Two, 2-4. \
Game One | Chadron State | How It Happened: Situational hitting was the name of the game in the opening game for Regis, as they collected nine runs on nine hits.
The best-executed situational hit came in the bottom of the fourth as sophomore pinch hitter Mia Moore laid down a perfectly executed bunt in front of home plate to load the bases.
With the Rangers down 2-1, and with Moore's bunt loading the bases, Regis' offense went on a rampage. Four hits later, and three more Rangers reaching on fielder's choice, the fourth finally closed out with Regis on top, 7-2.
The Eagles (27-25 overall, 25-19 RMAC) added two more runs in the fifth and sixth innings, but senior infielder Shayelyn Allen added two more runs of her own with a two-run blast over the left field wall.
"We always like to start the conference tournament with a win like that, especially one with the offensive output that we had," said Regis softball head coach, Nicole Thompson. "We've been working hard this week on just doing the little things and I think this group came out and did that. I'm very proud of this group."
Game Notes:
Game Two | MSU Denver | How It Happened: The Rangers came out fast in their second game of the day, with sophomore designated hitter Abby Larsen, sending a two-run blast down the left field line to go up 2-0 in the top of the second.
The Roadrunners (34-20 overall, 29-13 RMAC), answered back with a run of their own in the bottom of the same frame, ending the second with Regis leading, 2-1.
MSU Denver scored three total runs in the bottom of the third to take the lead, 4-2.
Regis battled the MSU Denver pitching staff throughout the final four innings, but were unable to overcome their deficit.
"We knew that every game we were going to have in this tournament was a battle. It was a good game, we scored first, Metro responded, and we had our chances to score," said Thompson. "It was a good game and I'm proud of how my girls battled, and facing the adversity of being down but still giving themselves a chance to score. We just have to regroup and get ready for tomorrow."
Game Notes:
Up Next: The Rangers take on the No. 5 seed Colorado School of Mines Orediggers at 11:30 A.M on Friday.
