CHADRON, Neb. – After taking both games on Friday, the Regis University softball team looked to complete their first series sweep since February with their final two games against the Chadron State College Eagles.
The Rangers (19-13 overall, 15-7 RMAC) had no problems securing the two wins, taking Game One 3-1 in extra innings, and Game Two 7-5, over the Eagles (5-25 overall, 5-15 RMAC).
GAME ONE | HOW IT HAPPENED
Saturday opened with a pitcher's duel with Game One requiring eight total innings in which the Rangers came out on top thanks to a late-inning scoring surge.
A home run from freshman designated hitter Sydney Young and a single from CSC's J'Lyssa Martinez were the only runs accumulated through the first seven innings of the game.
Junior right-hander Kylie Harpman faced a total of 33 batters, giving up seven hits, but striking out a total of 12 on the day to improve to 12 wins on the season.
With the score tied 1-1 going into the top of the eighth, junior infielder Morgan Norris singled through the right side to score the go-ahead run in junior catcher Rachel Williams who reached earlier in the inning thanks to a single of her own.
But the Rangers weren't done just yet, as junior outfielder Abby Larsen added an additional insurance run with a sacrifice fly to right field to bring in Norris.
Harpman got the first two outs in the bottom of the eighth no problem, but the Eagles' offense caused issues with back-to-back singles and an intentional walk to load the bases.
The junior didn't blink, however, as the Rangers secured the final out and the series win.
GAME TWO | HOW IT HAPPENED
With the series win secured, the Ranges set out to secure the sweep in Game Two
The Eagles jumped out to an early 4-1 lead but the Rangers came alive in the sixth thanks to a three-run single from junior infielder Ariana Ybarra and sophomore outfielder Olivia Wick scoring the go-ahead run by bringing Ybarra home.
Ybarra and Wick scored again for the Rangers in the top of the seventh to add two more runs to Regis' total and bring the score to 7-4.
Chadron State tried to mount their comeback with a double in the bottom of the frame to bring one run across, but senior right-hander Katherine Raper shut the door on the Eagles to secure the win.
UP NEXT
The Rangers return home to host the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Mountain Lions. First pitch is scheduled for 12 PM on Thursday.
