Rangers to Start 2021 Season on Monday

Softball | February 19, 2021

ALVA, Okla. – Northwestern Oklahoma State University softball will open the 2021 season on Monday, Feb. 22 at home, hosting Friends University (Kan.) in a doubleheader starting at 11 am.

NWOSU is coming off the COVID-shortened 2020 season with a 4-15 record overall and a 1-11 mark in Great American Conference play.

"I am incredibly excited to get on the field with this group of girls," Head Coach Jill DeVries stated. "We have waited so long to be able to compete together, and we are ready to go. This is a very talented group and they have a lot to show."

Northwestern will return four of the top-five hitter from a season ago, led by Kalie Johnson. Johnson is a junior from Tecumseh, Okla., and she hit .351 with a team-high 20 hits and seven RBI. Johnson is one of the most seasoned players on the team, starting in 71 consecutive games. She will continue to be the spark to the lineup and is expected to do big things this year in the field and at the plate.

The Rangers are looking to replace their top hitter from a season ago in Alexus Bailey in the field. Jayden Solberg will look to fill the void in the outfield with her strong arm and outstanding ability. Solberg will also have a significant presence for NWOSU at the plate this season.

The Red-and-Black return the top two pitchers from last year in a sophomore from Anna, Texas, Hannah Howell, who had a team-high 31 strikeouts in 54.0 innings. Howell has the ability to move the ball well with power behind it, which makes her tough in the circle. Alexia Taylor, a senior from Jay, Okla., picked up a win and struck out 12 in seven appearances. Taylor throws the ball hard and is a force in the circle.

Northwestern adds junior college transfer from Dibbol, Texas, Hannah Scoggin, to add depth to the pitching staff with her arsenal's unexpected movement that keeps hitters on their toes.

Two newcomers who will have a chance to impact the Rangers this season are Regan Burleson and Allison Zanca. From La Vernia, Texas, Burleson is a solid middle infielder and will be a force at the plate with great power from both sides of the plate. Zanca of Sapulpa, Okla., carries a strong bat to go with her ability to play several positions, which will likely keep her in the lineup this season.

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

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Players Mentioned

#2 Alexus Bailey: OF; Senior

#24 Hannah Howell: RHP; 5' 8"; Sophomore

#21 Kalie Johnson: MIF; 5' 5"; Junior

#15 Jayden Solberg: OF; 5' 6"; Senior

#20 Alexia Taylor: RHP; 5' 7"; Senior

#6 Regan Burleson: MIF; 5' 6"; Freshman

#29 Allison Zanca: CIF; 5' 6"; Freshman

#4 Hannah Scoggin: RHP; 5' 8"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#2 Alexus Bailey
: Senior
: OF

#24 Hannah Howell
: 5' 8"; Sophomore
: RHP

#21 Kalie Johnson
: 5' 5"; Junior
: MIF

#15 Jayden Solberg
: 5' 6"; Senior
: OF

#20 Alexia Taylor
: 5' 7"; Senior
: RHP

#6 Regan Burleson
: 5' 6"; Freshman
: MIF

#29 Allison Zanca
: 5' 6"; Freshman
: CIF

#4 Hannah Scoggin
: 5' 8"; Junior
: RHP