Clermont, FL – The University of Findlay softball team kicked off their Florida trip with double-header play against the Bentley University Falcons and the Upper Iowa Peacocks. The Oilers split on the day, winning the first game against the Falcons in a 2-0 final and dropping the second 3-1 to Upper Iowa.

Game 1 | W 2 – 0 (Box Score)

In a game of limited offense from both teams, Findlay found a way to score two runs and secure the victory to begin their Florida Spring trip.

After four scoreless innings, the Oilers broke the deadlock by scoring the first run of the game in the top of the fifth inning.

With two outs, senior Meredith Shepherd stepped to the plate and ripped a triple to center, getting the Oiler offense going. With Kelley Cejer at the plate, Shepherd crossed on a passed ball to give Findlay the 1-0 lead.

In the top of the sixth inning, Destinie Keeton lead off with a walk and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt from senior Madison Arnold.

After an infield popup for the second out of the inning, senior Amanda Delmonte delivered a single up the middle to score Keeton for the second and final run of the game. 

Shepherd and freshman Dylan Wiley lead the offense with two hits each, with Shepherd going 2 for 4 with a triple and a single, and Wiley a perfect 2 for 2 with two singles.

Freshman Hailey Bryan received the victory on the mound for the Oilers, going all seven innings and allowing zero runs during the game. Bryan allowed only two hits, struck out three batters and walked no one.

Game 2 | L 3-1 (Box Score)

The Oilers began game two out in front, beginning with a walk from Dylan Wiley. She went on to steal second base during the next at-bat, and later scored on an errant throw to first base. 

That would be it for Oiler scoring on the day, going without a run for the next six innings and only managing two hits as a team during the game.

The Peacocks scored on a single in the top of the third inning to even the game, and broke the tie in the top of the seventh by scoring two runs on a single up the middle.

Recording hits for the Oilers were Wiley with a single in the bottom of the third and Salwa Al-Hajabed with a single in the bottom of the fourth.

The starting pitcher for Findlay was Devyn Zuro, who went six innings, giving up only one run on three hits. Zuro also recorded one strikeout during her outing.

Receiving the loss for the Oilers was Molly Crosby, who entered the game for the seventh inning, allowed two runs and recorded one strikeout. 

The Oilers will continue their play in Clermont tomorrow, March 5 when they take on Gergian Court at 9:00 AM in their first game and then take on Mercyhurst at 11:30 AM.