Stranded Runners Play Role in Loss

Mar. 26, 2019, Sterling, Colo. — Playing a nationally ranked team is always a mental mountain players have to overcome. This became true for the Plainswomen when they hosted the Otero Junior College (OJC) Rattlers in a four game home series. The Rattlers are currently ranked number 14 in the nation in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) poll. Northeastern knew they are a tough team, but knew they have played well lately against all teams. 

The first game was a close game as OJC scored first in the second inning, but Northeastern tied it up 1-1 in the bottom of the third. After the third however, the Rattlers began to score a few runs, and Northeastern;s bats became cold. Otero managed to get multiple runs in the last three innings without the Plainswomen being able to get things rolling. The Rattlers went on to win game one 11-1. 

The second game was a different story as Northeastern was able to look past Otero's ranking and play Plainswomen softball. The Ratters struck first by going up 3-0, but Northeastern matched it with three of their own to tie it up. Otero would score a total of seven runs in the next two innings to take them up 10-3. After OJC scored two more, the Plainswomen started hitting their groove and began making a comeback. In the bottom of the fifth, Northeastern scored three runs, then another two in the sixth. With the game now 12-8, Northeastern had one more inning to get the runs they needed. They were able to get the girls on base, but could not get them around and list 13-9. 

After getting a nights rest, the Plainswomen took to the field for two more games on Monday. The ladies began the game by taking the 1-0 lead after two innings. Otero scored two in the third to go up 2-1. Northeastern was again able to get players on base, but could not get them around to score. With the Rattlers up 7-1, the Plainswomen were able to get their last run of the game. Otero went on to win 11-2. 

In the fourth and final game of the series, the Plainswomen seemed to lack the energy needed to get them at least one win out of the series. The Plainswomen trailed 1-0, but then could not get the outs needed against the Rattlers as they went on to win in the fifth 10-0. 

The Plainswomen will be back at home on Wednesday, Mar. 27 as they host the North Platte Knights. First pitch starts at 3 p.m.