University of Findlay

Lebanon, Ill.- The University of Findlay softball team began their run at the NCAA Division II Softball Midwest Regional on Thursday, May 14 at Bearcat Field on the campus of McKendree University. The third-seeded Oilers faced off against the sixth-seeded Missouri S&T Miners of the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) in the opening game of the event. The Oilers fell 9-2 to the team from Rolla, Missouri. With the loss Findlay falls to 39-13 while Missouri S&T improves to 37-17. 

The Miners struck first with two runs in the top of the opening inning, but Findlay responded immediately in the bottom half. Senior Annika Bredel led off with a single through the left side and moved to second following a Missouri S&T error. Sophomore Meghan Heinsman then drove in Bredel with a single before junior Anna Jones followed with an RBI single up the middle to score Heinsman and even the game at 2-2.

The game remained scoreless over the next two innings before the Miners plated three runs in the top of the fourth to take a 5-2 lead. Missouri S&T added four more runs in the sixth inning, creating a deficit the Oilers were unable to overcome.

Bredel paced the Oilers offensively with two hits in three at-bats while also scoring a run. Heinsman, Jones, sophomore Kenzie Woods, and senior Jenna Poulson each added a hit as Findlay totaled six in the contest.

Senior Alexys Antal earned the start in the circle for Findlay, pitching the opening four innings while allowing five runs on three hits and striking out three. She took the loss, falling to 19-4. Senior Kora Navarro entered in relief and worked the final three innings, surrendering four runs on five hits.

Findlay returns to action on Friday, May 15, when the Oilers take on seventh-seeded Rockhurst in an elimination game. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT / 2 p.m. ET.