Findlay, Ohio- The University of Findlay softball team began conference play today as they welcomed the Northwood University Timberwolves to Anderson Field, Sunday, March 17. The Oilers dropped the opener by a narrow score of 6-5 and in the nightcap, fell short by a score of 6-3. With the two losses, Findlay is now 13-11 on the year with a 0-2 record in Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) play. Meanwhile, Northwood improves to 17-8 on the year and remains a perfect 4-0 in the league.

Game One (L 6-5)
Findlay got on the board first, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first to take an early lead. Sophomore Annika Bredel walked before stealing second and was later sent home by freshman Joslynne Frazier's double down the left field line. A single by senior Kaitlynn Briggs sent Frazier home to put the home team ahead by two.

Both teams remained scoreless until the Timberwolves got on the board in the top of the fourth thanks to a two-run home run, tying the game at 2-2. Northwood added two runs in the fifth inning and two more in the seventh to take a 6-2 lead, leaving Findlay down four in the bottom of the seventh.

Needing four runs to force extra innings, Findlay came up just short of the comeback scoring just three runs on five hits while leaving three runners stranded. 

Findlay recorded five runs on nine hits while committing one error. Northwood scored six runs on six hits and also made an error.

Taking the loss in the circle for Findlay was senior Molly Pfiffner who pitched 4.1 innings. She allowed four runs on three hits. She walked four. She was relieved by sophomore Kayla Dykin who threw 1.2 innings. She allowed two runs on two hits, walking three and striking out two. Sophomore Avery Flynn also made an appearance for Findlay, throwing one inning. She allowed just one hit and struck out one. 

Briggs led the offense for Findlay, going 2-of-4 from the plate including a double and one RBI. Frazier and junior Lainey Bingham also recorded doubles in the contest.

Game Two (L 6-3)
Once again, the Oilers took to the board first, scoring a run in the bottom of the first. Findlay's leadoff hitter, senior Avery Shepherd, recorded a double to left center and was later sent home by an error from Northwood's third baseman. 

Northwood added two runs of their own in the top of the third to take the lead but the home team answered right back to regain the lead at 3-2.

The Timberwolves tied the game at 3-3 in the top of the fifth before going on to score three runs in the top of the seventh to a 6-3 lead, one in which Findlay wasn't able to overcome. 

Sophomore Alexys Antal started in the circle for Findlay, throwing 5.1 innings. She gave up three runs on ten hits. She walked two and struck out four. Relieving her was sophomore Avery Flynn, who ultimately took the loss. She gave up two runs on two hits. 

Shepherd led the Oilers offensively, going 3-for-4 from the dish, including a double, and scoring two runs. Sophomore Annika Bredel also recorded a double and an RBI.

Findlay will be back in action Saturday, March 23 as they resume conference play in Tiffin, Ohio as they take on the Dragons in a double header. Those games will start at 1pm.