Akron, Ohio- The University of Findlay softball team's run in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) Championship came to a close on Thursday, May 1, after falling to Hillsdale and Northwood. With the pair of losses, Findlay's overall record now stands at 33-14.

Game One vs. (2) Hillsdale: L 4-1
The third-seeded Oilers squared off against longtime rival and second-seeded Hillsdale in Game 8 of the tournament, with both teams coming off wins on Wednesday.

The opening three innings remained scoreless as both teams struggled to generate offense. Trouble came for the Oilers in the bottom of the fourth when Hillsdale's Anna Chellman launched a three-run homer to left field, giving the Chargers a 3-0 lead.

Findlay responded in the top of the fifth with their only run of the game, as freshman Meghan Heinsman delivered an RBI single to left. The Oilers threatened to tie the game with two runners on and just one out, but back-to-back strikeouts ended the rally.

Hillsdale added their final run in the bottom of the fifth on a wild pitch, extending their lead. The Oilers were unable to rally, ultimately falling short and suffering their first loss of the double-elimination tournament.

Junior Kayla Dykin was tagged with the loss for the Orange and Black, dropping her season record to 13-4. She pitched 4.1 innings, allowing four runs on five hits while striking out six and walking two. Fellow junior Alexys Antal came on in relief, tossing 1.2 innings, giving up just one hit and recording two strikeouts.

Game Two vs. (4) Northwood: L 4-2
In what served as an elimination game for both squads, the Oilers faced fourth-seed Northwood in Game 9 of the event. 

The Timberwolves struck first in the top of the second inning, capitalizing on back-to-back doubles with no outs. However, Findlay's defense stepped up, retiring the next three batters.

In the bottom of the third, the Oilers took a 2-1 lead when sophomore Anna Jones blasted a two-run homer to left center.

Northwood answered in the top of the fifth to even the score, then pulled ahead with single runs in both the sixth and seventh innings.

Senior Emma Jones was charged with the loss, dropping to 11-6 on the season. She pitched 5.1 innings, allowing three runs on eight hits while striking out five. Junior Kayla Dykin came on in relief for the final 1.2 innings, surrendering one run on one hit.

Up Next
The Oilers now await the NCAA Selection Show as they hope to earn an at-large bid to the NCAA Midwest Softball Regional. Ranked third in the latest regional poll, Findlay is in a strong position, with only the GLVC, GLIAC, and G-MAC champions earning automatic bids and five at-large spots available. The Oilers are aiming for their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2022. The Division II Women's Softball Selection Show airs Monday, May 5 at 10 a.m. on NCAA.com.