FINDLAY, Ohio — The Davenport University softball team dropped both games of a Saturday doubleheader at Ammons Field against the University of Findlay. The Panthers fell 12–4 in the opening game before narrowly coming up short in extra innings, 6–5, in the second contest. 

Despite the results, Davenport saw several milestone moments at the plate, including Colette Sutton's first collegiate home run, Lexie McCarty's first home run in a Panther uniform, Cali D'Amour's first collegiate hit, and Darby Kramp's return to the lineup where she recorded a base hit in her first at-bat of the 2026 season after being cleared from injury.

Game 1: 
Davenport (4-15) recorded six hits, including a home run, but Findlay used big innings in the third and sixth to pull away for a 12–4 victory in the opener.

The Panthers struck first in the opening inning when Chloe Bruman and Randi Robakowski each reached base with singles to set up the offense. Robakowski later scored after advancing to third on a passed ball before Chloe Parker drew a walk to bring her home. Findlay answered in the bottom half of the inning, taking advantage of a throwing error to score Alexys Antal and tie the game at 1–1.

The Oilers seized momentum in the third inning with a six-run frame. A two-RBI single by Joslynne Frazier followed by a two-run home run from Sophie Retton helped push Findlay ahead 7–1.

DU cut into the deficit in the sixth inning when Sutton delivered a three-run homer to left field, scoring Kailyne Luna and Parker. However, Findlay responded immediately with five runs in the bottom half of the inning, highlighted by a three-RBI triple from Addison Fisher, sealing the 12–4 result.

Sutton led the Panthers offensively with three RBIs and a home run, while Parker added a run scored and an RBI. Luna was active defensively at third base with four assists, and Darby Kramp contributed a pinch-hit single.
Hannah Tahaney started in the circle for Davenport, pitching 2.1 innings with two strikeouts. Jordan Empie provided relief, working 3.1 innings while recording one strikeout. 

Game 2:
The Panthers battled back multiple times in the second game, forcing extra innings before Findlay secured a 6–5 walk-off victory in the eighth inning.

DU took an early lead in the first inning when Bruman scored on a double from Ally Prasnjak. Findlay responded quickly with two runs in the bottom half, including a solo home run by Antal, to take a 2–1 advantage.

Davenport tied the game in the third inning as Prasnjak came around to score on a bases-loaded walk by McCarty. The Oilers regained the lead in the bottom of the inning on an RBI single by Kenzie Woods to make it 3–2.

The Panthers evened the score again in the fifth when McCarty launched a solo home run to center field. Findlay moved back in front in the sixth with a two-RBI double by Jenna Dee, giving the Oilers a 5–3 lead.

Davenport responded in the seventh inning as Parker blasted a two-run homer to tie the game at 5–5 and force extra innings. In the eighth, Findlay secured the victory with an RBI single by Annika Bredel to complete the walk-off win.

Parker finished with a home run and two RBIs, while McCarty also homered and drove in two runs. Prasnjak added a double, scoring once and recording an RBI, and Ashley Sturgill tallied four assists defensively at shortstop.

Alaina Schwanke made the start in the circle for Davenport, providing 5.1 innings of work while tossing 106 pitches. Hailey Whisman came on in relief and delivered two scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out one batter to help keep the Panthers within striking distance late in the contest.

Up Next
DU will close out its preseason schedule on Sunday, March 15, with a doubleheader against Tiffin before beginning conference play. First pitch is scheduled for noon, with game two set to follow at 2 p.m. as the Panthers look to build momentum heading into GLIAC competition.