Findlay, Ohio – The University of Findlay softball team swept a doubleheader against the Walsh Cavaliers on Saturday, April 18 at Anderson Field in Findlay, winning the opener by a score of 11-4 before dominating in the nightcap 15-3. Celebrating Senior Day beforehand, the Oilers improve to 32-10 on the year with a 15-4 record in Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) play and remain in position to fight for a regular-season conference title. Walsh falls to 13-23 (6-14 G-MAC) with the two defeats.
Game 1 (W 11-4)
Walsh seized the momentum immediately in the top of the first inning. The Cavaliers put runners on base early, and Maci Smythe capitalized by launching a three-run home run to give Walsh a quick 4-0 advantage.
The Oilers did not panic and began chipping away at the deficit in the bottom of the second inning. The offense plated three runs to cut the Walsh lead to 4-3, highlighted by a home run from Joslynne Frazier.
Findlay took the lead for good in the bottom of the fourth inning. Meghan Heinsman continued the power surge by crushing a three-run home run, flipping the early deficit into a 6-4 advantage.
In the bottom of the sixth, Findlay put the game completely out of reach with a definitive five-run inning. Meghan Heinsman delivered again, ripping an RBI double down the left-field line to score Aurora Lescody. The Oilers kept the line moving as Kenzie Woods drew a walk and Kora Navarro singled to second base. With multiple runners aboard, Alexys Antal stepped into the box and drove a two-run single up the middle, scoring Cassie Warner and Woods to cement the 11-4 victory.
Starting pitcher Alexys Antal earned the win, improving to an impressive 15-3 on the season. After a rocky first inning, she completely shut down the Walsh offense, tossing a complete 7.0 innings and allowing just the four early runs while striking out three batters.
Game 2 (W 15-3)
Findlay carried their explosive offensive momentum directly into the finale, dominating the game from the very first pitch and run-ruling Walsh in just five innings. The long ball was the story of the game, as the Oilers launched four home runs in a span of three innings.
In the bottom of the first, the Oilers jumped all over the Walsh pitching staff, putting up four quick runs to establish a commanding 4-0 lead.
The barrage continued in the bottom of the second inning. Findlay brought five more runs across the plate to extend their advantage to a massive 9-0.
The knockout punch came in the bottom of the third inning when the Oilers erupted for six more runs to make it 15-0. Over the course of these first three innings, it was a true home run derby. Alexys Antal, Annika Bredel, Meghan Heinsman, and starting pitcher Kayla Dykin all hit home runs to power the 14-hit offensive outburst. The extra-base hits came from all over the lineup, with Antal adding a double and a triple, Jenna Dee ripping two doubles, and Kora Navarro contributing another double.
Walsh managed to avoid the shutout by scoring a single run in the top of the fourth inning and adding two late runs in the top of the fifth, but it wasn't nearly enough to extend the game.
In the process of playing both games of the day, Annika Bredel has now played in 193 games in her time at UF, tying the all-time record.
Kayla Dykin earned the victory in the circle, improving her record to 8-3. She pitched a dominant 4.0 innings, striking out six batters and allowing just one earned run on two hits. Taylor Morgan entered from the bullpen to pitch the final frame and secure the 15-3 sweep.
Findlay will take on Cedarville University on Friday, April 24 before heading to Tiffin on Sunday, April 26 to wrap up the regular season.
