SAN ANGELO, Tex. – The Regis University softball team traveled down to Texas for the second weekend in a row to play in the George and Ola McCorkle Challenge hosted by Angelo State University.
The Rangers (3-5 overall) split their day down south with a 6-4 win against Texas A&M International University and a 3-1 loss against Angelo State University.
T&AMIU | HOW IT HAPPENED
While the Dust Devils (3-5 overall) struck first in the first inning, the Rangers quickly answered with three runs of their own thanks to a three-run bomb from sophomore outfielder Sienna Reed, her second on the season.
"I'm so proud of this group and how they came out of the gate in this game to start the momentum for the weekend," said Regis softball head coach, Nicole Thompson. "Kylie was strong on the mound for us and I loved seeing her confidence.
A sacrifice fly pushed a second run across the plate for TAMIU in the top of the fourth, but junior infielder Morgan Norris hit a single to score two more to make the score 5-2 by the end of the inning.
The Dust Devils' last two runs of the game came in the top of the fifth and put them within one run at 5-4, but junior right-hander Kylie Harpman finished out the last two innings facing the minimum six batters thanks to a strikeout and hits straight to Regis defenders.
The Rangers scored their last run in the sixth with a double from junior infielder Miia Campos to close out their first game of the weekend.
"I thought we hit the ball very well," said Thompson. "Sienna had a huge three-run bomb that really got us going and we were selective and disciplined at the plate. Morgan also had a huge two-run RBI that really helped us close the game."
GAME NOTES
ANGELO STATE | HOW IT HAPPENED
Freshman right hander Ava Edwards threw one of her best games in her young career as she kept the Rams (7-1 overall) scoreless through six innings.
Edwards finished her 5.1 innings of work with five hits, two walks, and two strikeouts. In her 22 batters faced, the Argyle-native forced 11 ground outs and two foul outs.
"This game with Angelo was one for the books, I mean, it was a true pitching duel and battle until the end," said Thompson. "To see the battle and fight this group had, I am so proud of them. Ava as a true freshman had an incredible game against a very good hitting team. She located the ball so well and really relied on our defense which was a strength for her. It's great to have that help behind our pitching staff."
Junior utility Abby Larsen launched the ball over the right field wall to give the Rangers a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth after a 0-0 tie through the third inning.
The Rams scored all three of their runs in the bottom of the sixth inning as the Rangers fell short of a comeback in the top of the seventh.
"Abby Larsen's big bomb really gave us the momentum and put their backs against the wall," Thompson said. "We had a few other chances to score and just fell a little short against a very good closing pitcher for them. I'm proud of how we battled at the plate and their want to step up to the challenge."
GAME NOTES
UP NEXT
The Rangers finished their time in San Angelo with two games against the Dust Devils and the Rams. First pitch against the Dust Devils is scheduled for 10:30 AM.
"I'm proud of the way this group competed today and we're looking forward to getting back to work tomorrow and closing out on a strong note," said Thompson.
