CLAREMORE, OK – Lady Rangers fell to Lady Hillcats during their Tuesday doubleheader on the road. The first game was won all in the first inning, with a 7-run first inning creating a seven run lead made by Roger State.
RSU currently stands #1 in the nation for Division II softball after winning the national championship last year.
FIRST GAME:
Abby DeTar was able to secure the first hit of the game for Northwestern, as she singled out into left field. With two outs, Madeline Pack was looking to get on base but a fly ball was caught in center field ending the top of 1st.
Ireland Caro started on the mound, and the Lady Rangers were able to get two outs on the Lady Hillcats first two hitters of the game. Following the two outs Rogers St. started a scoring run following two singles, a walk and an RBI single. This setup a big blast which included a grand slam with bases loaded resulting in 4 RBI's made by opponent RSU. They were able to score 7 runs off 6 hits for a 7-0 lead over the Rangers.
Lady Rangers were able to make a defensive stance after the first inning however, only allowing one hit in the following few innings.
Trying to gain an offensive run, Northwestern was able to get on base with a full-count walk made by Avery Clark. DeTar was up to bat attempting to send Clark around the bases, but lined out to shortstop.
Infielders for Lady Rangers secured three outs quickly; 2 outs made Hannah Howell, one unassisted and one groundball from Cozee Clark. Third out was made with a ball caught by Brooklyn LaChappa in left field, ending the inning with no hits, no runs, and no errors completed.
Highlight pitching series was made by Caro within the bottom of the fourth, earning a strikeout to close out the inning. Returning to the plate to bat, C. Clark was the only batter to get a hit. Lady Rangers were able to still hold off Lady Hillcats from hitting however, with their pitching a fielder's choice out on second base and double play from Howell and and C. Clark. The sixth inning brought a little bit more pressure on Northwestern's fielding, but they were able to earn an out at home with a throw made by Tatum Winters at third base to Pack at home plate.
Rogers State closed out the seven run victory over the Rangers Tuesday afternoon.
SECOND GAME:
In the second game of today's doubleheader against #1 Rogers State, Lady Rangers began slow with a quick end to the first inning, before Rogers State had a four run first inning taking the early lead.
Hannah Howell started this game as RSU was able to repeat what they did the game prior with a multi-run first inning on a homerun down the left field line, with two people already on base. Score at the end of the first inning was 4-0 Lady Hillcats.
During the second inning Lindsey McElroy was hit by a pitch, walking into first base but would be left on base. Defense by Northwestern began to strengthen again, only allowing one run from a stolen base-single into left field combo from Roger State.
The top of the third inning had action from DeTar getting a hit off into right field but was later caught stealing.
Pack was able to break the ice for the Lady Rangers by hitting a double into the back of right field for the first hit of the game, with McElroy following on base after being walked but they were left on base. No runs were scored during the bottom of fourth by Rogers State.
Northwestern was able to get two hits off in the fifth inning, with two singles made by Adams and DeTar. Spearman grounded out to shortstop, leaving those two on base at the end of their inning.
The final run for the Lady Hillcats was completed in the bottom of the fifth, after a sacrifice fly was made. No scoring occurred in the sixth inning by either team, and the only hit made was by our own Howell.
The final inning of the game was the ladies most successful one of the day, starting off with a single into right field made by Avery Tittle, who then was able to advance to second before Adams sent her to third with a single, and DeTar hit an RBI single sending Tittle home. With one out, the Lady Rangers were able to get bases loaded before double play was made ending the game 7-1 RSU.
Northwestern will be traveling to Arkadelphia, AR on February 24th to play a three-game series against the Henderson State Lady Reddies. First pitch will be at 3:00pm.
