Melbourne, Fla. – The University of Findlay softball team concluded its spring break trip to Florida on Saturday, March 7, splitting a pair of games in Melbourne. The Oilers opened the day with a heartbreaking 5-4 loss to the University of Charleston before bouncing back to defeat Winona State University by a score of 2-1. The split brings Findlay's overall record to 12-3 on the season including an 8-2 record in Florida this past week.
Game 1 (L 5-4)
In the opener against Charleston, the Oilers broke a scoreless tie with a single run in the top of the fifth inning. Findlay then appeared to put the game out of reach in the top of the seventh. With the bases loaded, pinch-hitter Sophie Retton delivered a clutch three-run double to right-center field, giving Findlay a 4-0 advantage and seemingly putting them in total control.
However, Charleston mounted a furious comeback in the bottom half of the seventh inning. The Golden Eagles' offense erupted for five runs in the frame, highlighted by a solo home run. A bases loaded double tied the game at 4-4 before a throwing error allowed the fifth and final run of the game to score, giving the Golden Eagles a walk off victory.
Starting pitcher Kaylynn Carter was highly effective before the late rally, pitching 6.0 innings and allowing just two runs on five hits while striking out two batters. Kayla Dykin (2-2) took the loss in relief, yielding three runs in 0.2 innings of work.
Offensively, the Oilers were led by Retton's three-RBI double. Annika Bredel finished 1-for-2 with a double and two runs scored, while Jenna Poulson recorded a hit and scored a run.
Game 2 (W 2-1)
In the second game of the day, Winona State struck first, plating a single run in the top of the first inning on a sacrifice fly to take an early lead.
The Oilers responded immediately in the bottom of the second inning, providing all the offense they would need for the remainder of the contest. Kenzie Woods sparked the rally with a single through the right side and came around to score on an RBI double to left field by Annika Bredel. Jenna Poulson followed suit with an RBI double of her own down the left-field line to bring Bredel home and give Findlay a 2-1 advantage.
From there, it was another stellar performance in the circle by Alexys Antal (5-1) that secured the victory. Antal pitched a complete game, tossing 7.0 innings and allowing just one run on five hits while shutting down the Winona State offense.
Antal now has 16 career complete games. Findlay is 11-1 in her career when she throws at least 7 innings.
Offensively, the Oilers made the most of their four hits, with Bredel and Poulson delivering the crucial run-scoring doubles. Woods added a hit and a run scored in the victory.
Findlay is back on the diamond on Thursday, March 12 for a game against Saginaw Valley State University. Those games will start at 1:00 pm and will be played at Liberty Benton High School for Youth Day as kids from the school will get to come out and watch the games.
