Clermont, Fla.- The University of Findlay softball team wrapped up their trip south with a split on Wednesday, March 12, falling to Minnesota- Mankato before winning against Slippery Rock. The Oilers conclude their Florida swing with a 6-4 record on the trip, improving their overall record to 13-5.

Game One vs. Minnesota- Mankato (L 6-5)
Findlay faced powerhouse Minnesota State-Mankato in game one, the 2017 Division II National Champions. 

After the Mavericks retired Findlay's first three batters in order, they took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first with a triple to center field. The Oilers quickly responded in the top of the second, as a passed ball with two outs allowed sophomore Anna Jones to cross the plate and tie the game at 1-1.

A home run from Minnesota-Mankato in the bottom of the third put them ahead by one before they broke the game open with a four-run fourth inning. 

The Oilers' offense came to life in the bottom of the fifth, starting with a leadoff double to left center by junior Kayla Dykin. Freshman Meghan Heinsman followed with a single, advancing Dykin to third before a fielder's choice by Antal brought her home, cutting the deficit to 6-3. A sacrifice fly from Anna Jones plated Antal, making it a two-run game, and junior Aurora Lescody executed a perfectly placed sacrifice bunt to push another run across, bringing the Oilers within one at 6-5.

Despite opportunities in the sixth and seventh innings, Findlay was unable to capitalize, falling 6-5.

Junior Alexys Antal got the start for UF, pitching just over three innings and allowing six hits and five runs before handing the ball to Kayla Dykin. Dykin tossed 2.2 innings, surrendering one hit and one run while striking out two and walking one. Antal took the loss, falling to 2-2 on the year for Findlay.

Sophomore Joslynne Frazier led Findlay's offense, going 2-for-3 with an RBI. Meghan Heinsman went 2-for-4 and scored a run, while Kayla Dykin was a perfect 2-for-2, including a double in the fifth inning.

Game Two vs. Slippery Rock (W 2-1)
Findlay and Slippery Rock traded runs in the first inning, evening the score at 1-1. Junior Annika Bredel sparked Findlay's offense with a double to left center before Joslynne Frazier drove her in with a single up the left side.

After a scoreless second inning, Findlay plated the game-winning run in the bottom of the third. Junior Jenna Poulson led off with a double down the left field line, stole third, and scored on a bunt by Antal, giving the Oilers a 2-1 lead.

The final 3.5 innings remained scoreless as Findlay secured the 2-1 victory.

Senior Emma Jones earned the win in the circle, improving to 5-3. She pitched a complete game, going seven innings and allowing just one hit and four runs. Jones also set a season-high with seven strikeouts.

Bredel went 3-for-3 at the plate, including a double in the bottom of the first, and scored UF's lone run. Antal was 2-for-3, adding an RBI to the effort.

Up Next
The Oilers will be back in action Tuesday, March 18 as they begin Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) play. They will host Ursuline College for a double header beginning at 3:30pm.