Brighton, Mich. – The University of Findlay softball team got the 2025 season started on a positive note, taking on the Grand Valley State Lakers in a doubleheader on Tuesday, Feb. 11 in the Legacy Sports Dome in Brighton, Michigan. The Oilers, which had not beaten GVSU since 2016, swept the perennial regional contender, winning game one by a score of 6-1 before winning 8-2 in game two. Tuesday was the season-opener for both Findlay and Grand Valley, which was receiving votes in the preseason NCAA DII National Poll.

Game 1 (W 6-1)

The two teams went scoreless over the first two innings of the opener before Findlay finally got on the board in the top of the third. Freshman Kenzie Woods led off the inning with her first collegiate hit, a double to left center. After a strikeout, freshman Meghan Heinsman ripped a ball deep over the fence in center field, picking up her first collegiate hit and first home run in just her second at-bat. Two batters later, sophomore Joslynne Frazier connected, as well, hitting one out even deeper over the bleachers in centerfield to put UF in front 4-0.

Battling against Nevaeh Ingram, a pitcher that last year had a perfect 7-0 record in the circle, the Oilers continued to score in the fourth, adding two runs on an RBI single from Woods and an RBI double from Heinsman.

The Lakers scored a run in the fourth, and nearly scored more on a line drive to right center field, but junior outfielder Jenna Poulson made a running grab in the gap to end the inning, leaving two runners on base and preserving the five-run advantage.

GVSU went down in order in each of the final three innings as senior pitcher Emma Jones picked up the complete game win.

Game 2 (W 8-2)

With momentum on their side, the Oilers continued to dominate in the second game. Woods led off with a walk and was followed by a single from junior Annika Bredel. A double by Heinsman put UF in front and, after a pair of strikeouts, senior Hannah Baker ripped a single up the middle to give the visiting team a 3-0 lead.

Findlay added three more in the top of the second thanks to a pair of errors by GV. The final run of the inning came off of a double from Heinsman, her third double of the day.

Another Lakers error in the fourth led to two more runs, making the score 8-1. That would be plenty as UF would go on to sweep their opponent from Allendale, Mich.

Quick Stats

Emma Jones picked up the win in the opener, throwing a seven-inning complete game, allowing just one run on four hits. Navarro was the winner in the second game, throwing seven innings and allowing two runs, one earned, on four hits. Neither pitcher recorded a strikeout.

Heinsman and Woods were the offensive leaders on Tuesday, both competing in a college softball game for the first time. Heinsman finished the day 4-for-8 with three doubles, a home run, five RBI, and three runs scored. Woods had three hits, including one double, and scored a team-high five runs.

Frazier and Bredel each had a pair of hits on the day.

Next Time Out

The Oilers will be back on the field on Saturday, Feb. 22 when they open up play at the Blue Bridge Battle in Evansville, Ind.