I will stick my nose in here.
The transfer case has two internal shift rods. When you move the shifter sideways it changes from one rod, 2wd-4wd to the hi-low rod.
All Mitsu transfers have a neutral position, the units installed behind an automatic do not have a detent for the position but it is there.
More than likely when she move the shifter forward and inadvertently almost got low range the shifter bounced back. It could well be possible the harshness of the transfer bouncing out of low got it to a position where the rails are not lined up and the shift finger can not get into one of the rail or such. It is still before coffee for me this morning so I do not have a cure for you yet.

But keep in mind, when shifting from high to low range when moving you need to use a bit of throttle and double the engine speed to match gears. Like the days of double clutching a downshift. It will shift right in. Don't complain to me if you break it though. I grew up in British cars, I can do it. I still have not figured out double clutching and automatic.

USB huh, my female unit could use one.