Clermont, Fla.- The University of Findlay softball team continued play at The Spring Games on Monday, March 10, splitting a pair of matchups. The Oilers dropped the opener to Bentley University but bounced back with a win over Shepherd University in the nightcap. With the split, Findlay moves to 12-4 on the season, while Bentley improves to 2-1 and Shepherd falls to 2-2.
Game One vs. Bentley (L 5-4)
The game remained scoreless through the first two innings as both teams settled in.
Findlay broke the deadlock when junior Alexys Antal doubled to right center. Junior Annika Bredel reached first after being hit by a pitch, setting the stage for sophomore Joslynne Frazier, who ripped a double to right center, driving in both Antal and Bredel to put the Oilers up 2-0.
The Falcons responded in the bottom of the third, evening the score at 2-2. They then pulled ahead in the fifth, scoring twice to take a 4-2 lead.
The Oilers had a key opportunity in the sixth when junior Kora Navarro reached third on a Falcon error to start the inning. However, consecutive outs put Findlay in a tough spot. Freshman Kenzie Woods, pinch-hitting in her strong debut season, came through with a triple to center, scoring Navarro and narrowing the gap to one. But a flyout to center ended the inning, leaving UF still down by a run.
Findlay held Bentley scoreless in the bottom of the sixth, setting up a final chance in the seventh. Annika Bredel reached base again after being hit by a pitch, but with two outs, she was caught stealing, sealing a 4-3 loss for the Oilers.
Navarro started in the circle for the Oilers, pitching four innings while allowing eight hits and two runs with two strikeouts. Senior Emma Jones took over in relief, tossing two innings and surrendering two runs on four hits, ultimately taking the loss for Findlay.
Frazier led Findlay's offense, going 2-for-3 at the plate, highlighted by a two-RBI double in the third inning. Woods also made an impact, finishing 1-for-1 with an RBI.
Game Two vs. Shepherd (W 8-2)
Findlay came out strong in game two, quickly retiring three straight Rams to start.
Freshman Kenzie Woods led off with a single to second base, followed by two walks that loaded the bases with no outs. Freshman Meghan Heinsman then grounded out to second, bringing Woods home. Another walk reloaded the bases before a fielder's choice added another run. A pitching error allowed a third run to score, giving Findlay an early 3-0 advantage.
The Oilers tacked on a run in the second inning and exchanged runs in the third, pushing the score to 6-2.
In the bottom of the fourth, Antal led off with a double to left field and was replaced by pinch runner, senior Cassie Warner. Warner advanced to third on a passed ball and then scored on a double by junior Annika Bredel. Bredel moved to third on another passed ball and was driven home on a sacrifice fly by Heinsman.
The next two innings went scoreless, and three quick outs in the seventh sealed Findlay's 8-2 victory.
Junior Kayla Dykin earned the win in the circle for the Oilers, improving to a perfect 3-0. She pitched all seven innings, surrendering two runs on five hits. Dykin recorded a season-high eight strikeouts and walked only three.
Bredel led the offense, going 2-for-2 with two RBI, while Heinsman also drove in two runs.
Next Time Out
Findlay returns to action for the final day of the Spring Games on Wednesday, March 12. They will face Slippery Rock at 9 a.m., followed by a matchup with Minnesota State, Mankato at 11:15 a.m.
