Game 1 Box Score  |  Game 2 Box Score

The Malone University softball team suffered a pair of losses on the road Monday afternoon in its non-conference doubleheader against the University of Findlay, an NCAA Division II member. A five-run sixth inning allowed the Oilers to pull away for a 9-3 victory in game one. Findlay then posted a 7-6 triumph in the finale after holding off a late Pioneer rally. Malone's overall record slipped to 6-11 following the doubleheader sweep while the Oilers improved to 11-3.

The Pioneers trailed 4-0 entering the top of the sixth inning of game one but then managed to cut the deficit in half on back-to-back two-out RBI doubles by catcher Laura Ronk and third baseman Kelsee Locker. Malone would get no closer, though, as the Oilers put the game out of reach with their five-run outburst in the bottom of the inning. Pitcher Brittany Larch started in the circle and took the loss (2-3) after allowing four runs (three earned) over the first five innings. Leftfielder Sarah Samblanet paced the Malone offense by tallying two doubles, a walk and one run scored in her three plate appearances.

A two-run homer by shortstop Kristen Atzenhoefer and an RBI single by Ronk helped the Pioneers build an early 4-2 lead in game two. Solo runs in the bottom of the third and fourth innings allowed the Oilers to knot the game at 4-4. The hosts then tacked on an unearned run in the fifth and two more scores in the sixth to build a 7-4 advantage. Malone brought home two runs in the top of the seventh but was unable to complete the comeback. Atzenhoefer led off the inning with a double and then later moved to third on a single by third baseman Megan Lane. Second baseman Lauren Hershberger followed with an RBI single that brought home Atzenhoefer. Locker then stepped to the plate and ripped a double to left to drive in Lane, move Hershberger to third, and trim the margin to 7-6. However, with one out and the tying and go-ahead runs in scoring position, Findlay pitcher Tawna Whited managed to retire the next two Malone batters of the inning to preserve the Oiler victory. Pitcher Shelby Snyder went the distance for the Pioneers and suffered the loss (0-4) after allowing the seven runs (five earned) over her six innings of work. Malone registered 14 hits in the game as Atzenhoefer went 3-for-4 with a homer, two doubles and three runs scored. Rightfielder Katy Carr also tallied three hits in four at-bats.

The Pioneers will now be idle until next Tuesday (March 29th) when they host their home opener against Mount Vernon Nazarene University. The American Mideast Conference doubleheader is slated to begin at 3:00 p.m.