Alva Review-Courier -

WICHITA, Kan. – Northwestern Oklahoma State softball traveled to Wichita Wednesday to play a mid-week doubleheader against Newman University. The Rangers exploded for four runs in the sixth inning to come back and win game one. Northwestern carried that momentum into game two putting a seven spot on the board in the first two innings but Newman would battle back to split the doubleheader with the Rangers.

With the split doubleheader Northwestern maintained a .500 record at 6-6 on the season overall while 0-3 in conference play.

Game One

Hannah Howell received the game one start for the Rangers, throwing 4.0 innings allowing two runs while striking out one while picking up a no decision. Victoria Vasquez threw one inning allowing two unearned runs while picking up her second win of the season. Allie Hufford threw two innings not allowing a run earning her first save of the season.

On offense Northwestern had six hits from six different players in the win while Jayden Solberg and Jill Bouse led the team with 2-RBI each. Allison Zanca led the team with two runs scored.

Each person would work around a base runner in the opening inning as Newman had someone reach into scoring position but Howell escaped without any damage done. The Jets in the second inning pushed a runner to second for the second straight inning but Howell again left her stranded on base.

Neman struck in the third inning following a one out walk Mayo stepped up with a double into right center pushing the first run of the game across the plate for a 1-0 lead. Navarro followed with back-to-back doubles taking a 2-0 lead over the Rangers.

Jaci Oakley had the Rangers first hit with a leadoff double to right field but would be left on second following three straight outs.

The Red-and-Black had their first run in the fifth following a one out double by Zanca, Rodriguez ripped a single back up the middle to cut the deficit to 2-1.

Newman answered back quickly though taking advantage of back to back Ranger miscues allowing straight runners to reach safely on errors. They would later come around to score on an Anderson single to right center.

Northwestern struck in the sixth for four runs to take a 5-4 lead. The inning started with Oakley reaching safely after getting hit by a pitch. Solberg then hit her home on a 2-run home run to right field cutting the deficit to one at 4-3. With runners on second and third Bouse then came in to pinch hit as she delivered a 2-RBI single giving Northwestern their first lead of the game.

Hufford then came into pitch for the six out save as she worked around the Jets' leadoff hitter reaching on an error with three straight ground outs. In the seventh she retired the side in order after getting the first two hitters out. The third and final hitter would single to left but was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double as Jocelyn Long threw it into Abby DeTar for the final out of the game.

Game Two

Hannah Scoggin received the game two start, throwing five innings before Ryer pitched an inning in relief for Northwestern.

The offense was led by Solberg with three of the nine hits for the Rangers including two RBIs along with Oakley finishing with two RBIs to lead the Rangers. Rodriguez and Oakley led the team with two runs scored.

Northwestern wasted no time carrying their momentum from game one scoring two runs in the first inning. Rodriguez reached safely before stealing second. An Oakley single moved runners to second and third before a Solberg single gave the Rangers a 2-0 lead.

Newman responded with one run in their half of the inning though on a sacrifice fly following three straight singles to quickly cut their deficit down to one.

The Red-and-Black though quickly answered on a walk and a single to start the inning before the Rangers loaded the bases with two outs as Oakley delivered a 2-RBI single for a 4-1 lead. Adams would then follow with an RBI single to move the lead to 5-1. Solberg and Oakley both came around to score on an error.

Scoggin held Newman at one run until the third inning when a double by Ramos pushed home Kuhrt to cut the deficit back down to five. Newman kept chipping back into the game with their third one run inning of the game, this one coming on a Gutierrez solo home run.

The 5th inning Newman continued their momentum this time with a three run inning to cut the deficit down to one at 7-6. Two straight singles started the inning for the Jets before a three run home run to right center by Ullery.

Solberg hit a single but was left at first in the sixth inning. Newman then answered back with their second straight three-run inning to take their first lead of the game at 9-7. Kuhrt led with a single before a double by Mayo drove her home with a double. With runners on second and third Navarro then singled to right field to take a 9-7 lead. The Rangers went down quietly in the seventh as Newman held on for a 9-7 victory splitting the doubleheader with the Rangers.

Overall the Rangers led the season series 3-1 in the four meetings with Newman. The Rangers will be back in action this afternoon, March 4, at 3:00 p.m. against East Central in Ada.