SAN ANGELO, Tex. – The Regis University softball team wrapped up preseason on Saturday, splitting its two games with a win against Texas A&M International University, and dropping their game against San Angelo State University.
The Rangers (4-6 overall) pulled out the win against the Dust Devils (3-7 overall) thanks to two runs scored by Miia Campos. Regis tried to mount a last inning comeback against the Rams (9-1) but were one run short.
"I thought today this group came out with the same fight and mindset as yesterday," said Regis softball head coach, Nicole Thompson. "I can't say enough on how proud I am of the growth we have seen at the plate and defensively over the weekend."
TA&MIU | HOW IT HAPPENED
It was the Campos show in Regis' first game on Saturday as a clutch single in the top of the seventh tied the game at 4-4, and ultimately was the game-winning run as she scored on a wild pitch later in the inning.
Campos couldn't do it alone, however, as junior infielder Morgan Norris and junior utility Abby Larsen brought in the other two runs with a double from Norris and a single from Larsen.
Senior right-hander Alexis Kemp earned her first win of the 2024 season in 3.2 innings of work. Kemp gave up three hits, but came away with one strike out, seven ground outs, and three foul outs.
Kemp secured the win for the Rangers after sitting the Dust Devils down in order in the bottom of the seventh.
"Miia is just an all around great player and we are so lucky she is on our team," Thompson said. "Her confidence at the plate right now is so awesome to see. She has come up big for us time after time. There were also some defensive plays she made this week that were big time outs that many third basemen don't make. I'm so proud of her, she puts in the work and it's great to see it pay off for her."
GAME NOTES
ANGELO STATE | HOW IT HAPPENED
Junior infielder Morgan Norris stepped up for the Rangers in their second game on Saturday as she drove in a run in both the fifth and seventh innings.
Norris' double in the seventh helped jumpstart a comeback in the top half of the inning, but would unfortunately be the only offensive production for the rest of the game.
Freshman catcher Sydney Young hit her second home run in her young career as a Ranger in the top of the second, scoring two runs.
Junior right-hander Kylie Harpman was given her second loss of the season after giving up eight hits in 5.2 innings of work. However, the Fort Collins-native was able to strike out three.
GAME NOTES
THOMPSON ON THE REGIS BULLPEN
"This weekend was a good challenge for our pitching staff. It was good to see what Ava is capable of as a true freshman and she was awesome to see back-to-back days," said Thompson. "Kylie had a solid outing against some good hitters in Angelo state. And then our bullpen has been big for us. We wanted a bigger staff so we could use them in different situations which has been nice when anyone's number is called."
UP NEXT
The Rangers open the 2024 season with their home opener against Colorado State University Pueblo. First pitch is scheduled for Saturday at 12 PM.
"This week we get back to work for the start of RMAC play," Thompson said. "We tell the team all the time it's the second season now. We go back 0-0. We know what our goals are and it starts next with Game One with Pueblo."
