OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. - The Northwestern Oklahoma State University Rangers finished up their second straight day of games at the Edmond Regional Festival II. The Black-and-Red struggled to string hits together but found strength from their bench despite losses.

NWOSU vs. UC-Colorado Springs

The Rangers took on The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs for their first game at 11 a.m. Although they out hit UCCS, ten to their eight, the Black-and-Red were unable to score until the sixth inning.

The bench contributed three singles through three different pinch hitters, in Alexus Bailey, Ashlie Green, and Taylor Russell plating their three runs.

UCCS scored their first couple runs in the bottom of the first inning, getting their lead-off from a past ball, and then rallied around to plate two. Northwestern would shut the Mountain Lions down for three whole innings before they score again in the bottom of the fifth extending their lead 4-0.

The Rangers offense came alive in the top of the sixth inning, refusing to go down without a fight. Madison Friest was able to start the rally, reaching first on a wide throw from the UCCS shortstop. Shelbie Roberson would add her speed to the equation, pinch running for Friest.

Green followed with a pinch-hit single to center field placing the speedy Roberson in scoring position. Madeline McIntyre would enter to run for Green.

Bailey would continue the pattern with a pinch-hit RBI single through the left side, scoring Roberson. Russell also came into pinch hit, sent a screaming single into left center to allow both Bailey and McIntyre to cross home plate, cutting into UCCS's 4-3 lead.

Unfortunately, UCCS tacked on two more runs in the bottom of the sixth. The Rangers were unable to score any more in the top of the seventh, making the final score 6-3.

NWOSU at Oklahoma Christian

Hits were much harder to come by for the Rangers during the second game against Oklahoma Christian.

The Eagles started hot in the first inning and continued to string hits together as the game went on, scoring one run in the bottom of the first, two runs in the bottom of the second, and two runs in the bottom of the fifth, when they took advantage of some Ranger miscues.

Northwestern was never out of the fight and again rallied in the top of the sixth inning. Friest started the rally again with a two run RBI single into center, allowing Bailey (singled), and Green (fielder's choice) to score. This cut the lead to 5-2.

This wouldn't be enough momentum for the Rangers as OC responded with three runs of their own in the bottom of the sixth. The Rangers were unable to string anymore hits together with their last effort in the top of the seventh, enabling the Eagles to take the game 8-2.

Northwestern (0-3) will close the weekend with a rescheduled game against Central Oklahoma tomorrow at 3 p.m. in Edmond.

For the latest news and updates on NWOSU Softball, follow @NWOSUAthletics on TWITTER or visit www.riderangersride.com.