RUSSELLVILLE, ARKANSAS - The Ranger Softball team closed out a three game series with Arkansas Tech Golden Suns Saturday. Arkansas Tech struck early to jump out to a 5-0 lead after the first inning before closing out the win over the Rangers 8-1.
Northwestern drops to 12-14 on the season with a 4-10 Great American Conference record. The Rangers also moved to 9-11 on the road this season.
Ashley Low led the team with two hits in the loss going 2-3 reaching base safely three times after getting hit by a pitch as well. Tatum Winters scored the only Rangers run.
The Rangers were retired in order in the first inning before the Golden Suns turned their defense to offense with a five run first inning. The inning started with a lead off walk before a passed ball and a fielder's choice allowed the first run to score. After a hit by pitch and a walk, a 2-RBI single to right field followed by a second 2-RBI single brought the score to 5-0 after the first inning.
As the Rangers tried to answer back, pushing a runner into scoring position after Rosemary Rivera walked and advanced on a wild pitch. However after the Rangers were retired Arkansas Tech extended their lead after a lead off walk and a sacrifice bunt led to an RBI ground out and a 6-0 lead.
In the third inning the Golden Suns once more extended the lead this time striking for two more. The inning started with a single and a double before a sacrifice fly brought in the first run of the inning. Chavers followed with a bases-loaded walk to take an 8-0 lead.
The Rangers got on the board in the fifth inning after Winters reached and Ashley Low hit a single for first and second Winters later scored in the inning on a Golden Suns error. The Rangers trailed 8-1 after five innings.
Northwestern in the seventh inning had two singles one by Gabrielle Sanchez and Ashley Low as the Rangers looked to score a couple runs but a ground out and strike out ended the game as Arkansas Tech completed the sweep over the Rangers following the 8-1 win.
The Rangers will be back in action on Friday against Harding for the next conference series with a three game set.
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