University Center, Mich.- The University of Findlay softball team's season came to a close on Friday, May 9, at the NCAA Division II Softball Midwest Regional. After a loss in their opening game on Thursday, the Oilers entered elimination play needing a win to stay alive, and they delivered. In their first game of the day, they defeated eighth-seeded Ferris State 5-1, ending the Bulldogs' tournament run. However, in their next matchup, a rematch against fifth-seeded Drury, the Oilers were eliminated after a 16-0 loss. Findlay finishes the season with a 34-16 record.

Game One vs. Ferris State (W 5-1)
The Oilers came out strong, setting the tone by retiring the first three batters in order. With one out in the bottom half, junior Annika Bredel sparked the offense with a single to right center. Sophomore Joslynne Frazier followed with another single, advancing Bredel to third. Junior Alexys Antal kept the momentum going, delivering a base hit that brought Bredel home and moved Frazier to third. Junior Kora Navarro then stepped up with a double to right center, clearing the bases and giving the Oilers a 3-0 lead. The inning's final run came on a fielder's choice, as junior Aurora Lescody reached first and Navarro scored, capping a four-run inning.

Ferris State scored their only run in the top of the third inning, cutting Findlay's lead to 4-1.

The Oilers responded in the bottom of the fourth, tacking on their final run when freshman Kenzie Woods doubled to left center, driving in Aurora Lescody. From that point on, both teams were held scoreless, and Findlay secured a 5-1 victory.

Wearing the Orange and Black for the final time, senior Emma Jones delivered a stellar performance in the circle, going the distance for a complete-game victory. She allowed just one run on six hits over seven innings, walking one and striking out one, as she capped off her season with a 12-6 record.

Offensively, Navarro led the charge, driving in two runs with her double. Antal, Lescody, and Woods each added an RBI to round out the Oilers' scoring effort.

Game Two vs. Drury (L 16-0)
A rematch from the day before, things never quite came together for the Oilers. What initially appeared to be a manageable game quickly turned as the Panthers struck first with two runs in the top of the first inning. Findlay held them scoreless in the second, but from there, the momentum shifted heavily in Drury's favor.

The Panthers added three runs in both the third and fourth innings to build an 8-0 lead, and unlike Thursday's matchup, the Oilers couldn't find a spark for a comeback. Drury put the game out of reach in the fifth, erupting for eight more runs and sealing a 16-0 win in just five innings.

Using all three pitchers from the UF bullpen, it was junior Kayla Dykin who was charged with the loss, dropping her record to 13-5 on the season. Dykin pitched 1.1 innings, allowing two runs on two hits. Senior Emma Jones came on in relief and surrendered six runs on seven hits. Junior Alexys Antal finished the game, throwing the final inning and giving up eight runs on three hits.

Sophomore Joslynne Frazier recorded Findlay's lone hit in the contest.