Colorado Christian had their season on the line as they took on Angelo State on Friday afternoon in game number two of the South Central NCAA Regionals. After falling behind early on the Cougars tried to battle back but were unsuccessful as they fell to Angelo State by a final score of 8-3. The loss wraps up one of the most impressive seasons in the programs history as they will finish the year just one win shy of 50 as their overall record was 49-10 and picked up the first-ever RMAC Championship in the process.
 
The start of the game felt very much like déjà vu for the Cougars as Angelo State was able to take the early lead in the first inning thanks to a three-run homerun which put CCU in an early hole to begin the game.
 
The pitching from Angelo State was once again some of the best CCU has faced all year, as the Rambelles were able to hold the potent Cougar offense hitless through the first three innings of play as they took a 7-0 lead heading into the fourth inning.
 
Colorado Christian began their comeback attempt in the fourth, as they were able to get the bats going and get back into the game. Taylor Olsen began the inning by drawing a walk, which brought up Kenzie Middleton. Middleton secured the first hit of the game for CCU as she lined a double deep to left centerfield which advanced Olsen to third base and put runners on second and third with no outs. After two outs were recorded with both runners staying put, it appeared that Angelo State was going to tightrope out of danger, but Logan Menzies had other ideas. Menzies delivered as she doubled to right centerfield allowing both Olsen and Middleton to score and put CCU on the board as the score was 7-2.
 
Alexis Hamilton came into the game for the Cougars in relief of starter Abrie Castillo in the fourth inning and pitched well as she was able to keep the Angelo State offense scoreless in the fourth and fifth innings, which gave the Cougars offense a chance to continue to battle back. In the sixth inning, Kenzie Middleton led off with a single back up the middle. Middleton came around to score when Logan Menzies once again doubled which brought to Cougs to within four runs as they now trailed 7-3.
 
Unfortunately, that was as close as CCU would get as Angelo State added one insurance run in the bottom of the sixth and held the Cougars scoreless in the seventh inning to come away with the victory by a final score of 8-3.
 
After the game, Head Coach Larry Hays spoke saying, "We were so happy last week after winning the RMAC Championship, and we have a team that loves each other. We played two top ten teams in the nation, and they are very good, but we are a better team than we showed during these two games. We were trying to do too much on the field, but ultimately, I am so proud of my team and the people they are on and off the field. I am looking forward to great things ahead from our program.
 
Sydney Reamer also spoke as she talked about the experience coming to the tournament, "This has been such a great experience being able to come to the Regionals with this team. From the flight, to staying in the hotel and playing the games, this has been an unforgettable experience! I am looking forward to seeing what this team can do next year."
 
The team has re-written the season record books this year as they now hold the top spots for nearly every offensive category. They played well together from the very beginning and were able to complement each other's strengths in every possible way. Congratulations to the 2022 CCU Softball squad on such an impressive season!