Softball team splits double-header against Regis

On Sunday, March 9, the softball team took the field for its first of two double-headers at Regis University.  After losing three straight games, the Eagles (6-12, 3-3 RMAC) started out strong against Regis, picking up a 5-3 win in their first matchup.  Despite that win, the Rangers bounced back for a convincing 9-1 win in game number two.

In the first game, Chadron State pitcher Kylee Polsley, senior of Omaha, threw a complete game, limiting Regis to just six hits.  The Rangers (7-12, 6-3 RMAC) threw the first punch in the opening frame, but Courtney Lecher, freshman of Fort Collins, Colo., answered in the second with a two-run double to center field.  Regis put two more runs on the board in the bottom of the third, but with the bases loaded in top of the fourth, a walk allowed Morgan Wilhelm, freshman of Littleton, Colo., to score easily to tie it up at 3-3.

After two scoreless innings, Regis miscues allowed the Eagles to score two more runs.  Sarah Knudsen, senior of Parker, Colo., scored on a bad throw after Jessica Eatmon, junior of Broomfield, Colo., reaching on a fielder’s choice.  Rebecca Wetsch, junior of Erie, Colo., walked into home plate after Katelyn Kruger, sophomore of Highlands Ranch, Colo., drew a walk in the Eagles’ next at-bat, giving them a 5-3 advantage.  Polsley held the Rangers right where they were, forcing them into three straight out in the bottom of the seventh, and giving CSC the victory.

Regis got things going early in the second game, scoring two runs in the first and six runs in the second.  CSC was never able to respond and took a 9-1 loss.  Despite the Eagles getting back on the winning track, the loss in the second game is a game that they might wish they could have back, considering it was their only loss out of four games against the Rangers this week.

“I thought we played well on Saturday,” said catcher Casey Polk, junior of Golden, Colo.  “We started off strong with a good win.  We played well the second game, but just couldn’t keep up with their bats.  We just weren’t as aggressive at the plate.”

In the loss, Kruger and Welsch both hit doubles for CSC’s only hits of the game.