By NICK VILLALOBOS
Sports Editor
Ranger softball opened conference play with a 3-1 series loss to Southern Arkansas over the weekend.
Play began against the Muleriders with a doubleheader on Friday, followed by a doubleheader Saturday as well.
In game one Friday, the Rangers took a 3-1 advantage in the fourth inning after Rangers Jordan Haya and Madison McGraw crossed home for the score.
The Muleriders, however, would soon strike with four runs in the bottom of the fourth inning, lifting them to a 5-3 lead.
They would add on another run in the sixth inning allowing them to seal the 6-3 game one win over the Rangers.
In game two, the Muleriders opened with three runs in the first inning, followed by six more in the second inning. Then they would add on two more in the fifth inning, giving them a massive 11-2 win.
The Rangers’ two runs came from Haya and Jordan Baughman.
Play continued against Southern Arkansas with another doubleheader Saturday afternoon.
In game one Saturday, the Rangers managed to grab a 6-3 win. Coming up big for the Rangers was Haya again, who scored twice, followed by single runs by McGraw, Stephanie Couser and Lindsay Thorstenson.
In game two though, the Rangers were unable to continue their success, as they fell 14-8.
The Rangers (8-5 overall, 1-3 GAC) will be back in action next weekend as they begin play at home against Southern Nazarene on Friday starting at 2 p.m.