The Cougar Softball team opened-up their second tournament in as many weeks with another decisive win, defeating the Rangers of Northwestern Oklahoma State by a score of 6-1. The teams are facing off in the North Texas Softball Bash tournament being held in Mesquite, TX. The victory brought the Cougars to 5-1 in this young season, while the Rangers lost what was their first game of the season.
 
The Rangers opened-up the scoring in the first inning after what should have been a simple infield ground out turned into an ill-fated sequence of events, ultimately culminating in a Ranger run. With a runner on first, an error while fielding the ball led to both Rangers being safe, another error on the throw led to the lead runner reaching third base, and advantageous base running led the third base runner to take home while the batter took second. However, that unique and unlikely series of events is what the Rangers needed to score their only run on the day.
 
The Cougars would mount their comeback late in the game starting in the 6^th inning. With Stephanie Day and Shelbie Day on second and third base respectively, second baseman Brie Dunckel singled to the shortstop and scored Shelbie Day on the hit. Immediately following the hit, Stephanie Day and Dunckel pulled off a double-steal that landed Dunckel on second while Stephanie scored the go-ahead run after stealing home. Shortstop Kacie Burger would cap the 6^th inning scoring with an RBI single to right field, scoring Dunckel from second.
 
Colorado Christian had a two-run going into the final inning but kept the pressure up to give themselves a bigger cushion. The Cougars would go on a two-out rally to seal the game. Shelby Fusich would get the action started with a walk, and would find herself scoring from there after Alyssa Hanks single turned into a triple after an NWOSU error. Not to be left out of the fun, pinch hitter Alex Garlock would belt a triple down the right field line scoring Hanks. The final run was plated after 6^th innings star Brie Dunckel hit singled up the left side to score Garlock. Dunckel would steal second later in the inning, but the third out would come before she could benefit from her efforts.
 
Current RMAC Pitcher of the Week Kenzie Mattey would start the game for the Cougars, but despite pitching well for CCU, allowing no earned runs, and striking out and walking three batters in four innings of work, it would be her fifth inning reliever Jennifer Romero who would take the win. Romero threw two near perfect innings striking out one and walking one batter. When Romero was pulled before the 7^th inning the Cougars had a 6-1 lead, so Sarah Probasco wouldn't qualify for a save, but was still tasked with closing out the win for the team. She did just that, retiring the side and striking out one Ranger in the process.
 
The 5-1 Cougars take to the field again on Saturday, February 10^th at 10:00 a.m. CST when they take on the 4-2 Mustangs of Midwestern State University.