SMYRNA, Tenn. --- The Parkside softball program closed out the opening weekend of games on Sunday, taking on Northwood University and the University of Indianapolis. The Rangers found themselves in a close battle with Northwood late, but couldn't rally, falling 6-2. Parkside then closed the weekend with a 5-0 loss to Indianapolis.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Taylor Delgado went 3-4 against Northwood with a run scored.
• Olivia Masnica worked three innings of relief in game one, allowing no runs on just three hits.
• Kaci Shickel worked four and a third innings of shutout relief in game two while allowing just one hit.

 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Rangers struck first in the opening game of the day. With one out Cassie Rutledge was hit by a pitch. Tia Livernash followed with a single to right to put two on, and a wild pitch put two in scoring position. It was then Dani Evans who lifted a fly ball to left for a sac fly, giving the Rangers a 1-0 lead.
 
The lead held until the fourth when Northwood plated a run on two hits. The Timberwolves then took the lead in the following inning, scoring five runs on six hits to take a 6-1 lead. Parkside tried to fight back, getting a run back on a Meagan Maza double to right. Unfortunately, Parkside was able to rally any further, falling by a final score of 6-2.
 
In the second game of the day, the Rangers fell behind early as UIndy scored five runs on four hits and an error in the second inning. Shickel came on in relief for Parkside and was nearly perfect, working four and a third innings, while allowing just one hit.
 
The Rangers will return to action on Thursday, February 23^rd at the Dome In Rosemont. The Rangers will face Truman State and Ursuline to open the tournament. Opening pitch is set for 9:00am on Thursday. Links to coverage can be found at ParksideRangers.com/coverage