MAGNOLIA, Ark. – Northwestern Softball followed up a strong series win against Arkansas-Monticello last weekend with a doubleheader split against No. 3 Southern Arkansas Muleriders. The Rangers answered a 7-0 defeat in game one with a 2-1 victory behind another strong performance from
Karly Murray.
Game 1
Coming off a 3-1 series victory over Arkansas-Monticello, the Rangers were tasked with heading to No. 3 Southern Arkansas (25-3, 15-1 GAC) for a big test against a nationally ranked opponent.
A week after throwing her first career no-hitter,
Madison Garza took to the circle looking to contain the potent Mulerider offense that came into today hitting .347 as a team.
Garza did just that until the 5
th, when Southern Arkansas scrapped across the game's first run thanks to an infield error that scored Marina Duran.
But the Rangers ran into a red-hot arm in Victoria Taylor (13-1), the Mulerider ace with a 1.58 ERA in just under 100 innings.
Amber Mills managed the first hit off Taylor in the 4
th, but the Rangers weren't able to make anything of it. Taylor would hold Northwestern to just two hits and no free passes in the contest, pitching to just two over the minimum in her seven innings of work.
Trying to hang on to a 1-0 lead headed into the 6
th, Northwestern saw just how quickly the conference's best team can strike. The Muleriders found themselves in a big inning that put up six runs on five hits, burying the Rangers by a 7-0 final in the series opener. Freshman Kendall jones closed out the 7
th for Northwestern, getting the final two outs.
Game 2
Also coming off a strong performance last week was sophomore right-hander
Karly Murray, who dazzled in a gutsy 13 inning victory over UAM. With her sights set on one of the country's best, Murray kept her cool and delivered yet another solid outing.
The Rangers had a chance to do some damage early in the game, as
Brittany Corrales and
Audrey Estes had base hits. Northwestern loaded the bases in the 1
st but were unable to capitalize off game two starter Kaylee Garner.
After finding herself in a jam in the 3
rd and keeping the Muleriders off the board, Murray cruised through to the 5
th inning before she was tagged. A leadoff walk came back to bite the black-and-red, but Murray settled down to hold SAU to a single run.
Northwestern's success came in the top of the 6
th where another leadoff walk came around to score.
Madison McGraw drew the free base to start the frame, chasing Garner out of the game in favor of Jill Roye. The reliever got the next two Rangers but a two-out single by
Macy Madewell (2-for-3, run, RBI) and two wild pitches allowed the Rangers to take a much needed 2-1 lead.
Armed with a lead, Murray was dominant in the final two frames, sitting down the Muleriders offense in order to secure a statement 2-1 victory over Southern Arkansas.
Up Next
Friday rain in the Magnolia area forced the teams to move the series back a day, meaning the Rangers will conclude their weekend Sunday, March 26 against Southern Arkansas. First pitch in tomorrow's doubleheader is set for 12 p.m.
For the latest news and updates on Ranger Softball, follow @NWOSUAthletics on Twitter or visit www.riderangersride.com
