Listen Here
By Mara Waire
wairem@findlay.edu
Seniors Alexys Antal and Kayla Dykin threw the first season opener combined no-hitter in UF softball history in its season opener against IUP. Antal led the way in the circle for the first four innings, while Dykin stepped in at the start of the fifth inning to finish the job.
“It was a great way to begin my senior season and an exciting accomplishment to be a part of,” Antal said.
Antal finished the fourth inning strong, leading off with zero hits or runs, earning her first win of the season, and Dykin stepped into the circle at the bottom of the fifth, ready to carry that same momentum.
After falling short in the G-MAC championship and ending last season with a record of 34-16, expectations were high, but Dykin reminded herself of advice from head coach Danielle Lowe.
“You can’t do too much,” says Dykin. “You can’t put those expectations on yourself, or else you will fall. You just need to go with what you know.”
The Oilers had an early lead as Antal led off the first inning with a walk and then scored the first run on a hit by senior Annika Bredel.
The momentum continued in the second inning, with Kenzie Woods starting off with a hit, senior Jenna Poulson following with an RBI double to score Woods, and sophomore Meghan Heinsman added an RBI single to bring Poulson home.
Findlay’s offense kept rolling in the third, tacking on two more runs and giving the Oilers a comfortable 6-0 lead heading into the fourth inning.
Leading the offense, going 3 for 4 with a double and two RBIs, were senior Annika Bredel, followed by senior Jenna Poulson, and freshman Jenna Dee, recording two hits each, while senior Aurora Lescody and sophomore Meghan Heinsman also contributed base hits.
Dykin earned the save for the Oilers by not allowing any hits or runs to close out the game. While Antal and Dykin received recognition for this accomplishment, the defense played an outstanding game behind them and also played a significant role.
“While individual milestones are great, this accomplishment truly reflects a team effort,” said Antal.
