FINDLAY, Ohio -- The 11th-ranked Wayne State University softball squad (45-7 overall) advanced to Sunday's GLIAC Championship Round for the fifth consecutive year with a 3-0 triumph over the University of Findlay (31-20 overall) Saturday morning behind a no-hitter from junior pitcher Lyndsay Butler (Cambridge, Ont. / Centennial C.V.I.).

The Oilers had just two runners reach base, both on Warrior miscues, as Butler did not allow a ball out of the infield.  She struck out four, induced 14 ground outs including eight back to the mound, and had three infield pop outs.

WSU took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third as senior outfielder Shannon Hilton (Gilford, Ont. / Bradford) had a one-out single through the right side.  After a fielder's choice, seniors Allie Buchanan (Cambridge, Ont. / Galt C.I.) and Jade McGarr (Guelph, Ont. / St. James Catholic) had back-to-back singles to score Butler.

Wayne State added to its lead in the fifth as Butler lined a leadoff double.  She advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Buchanan and scored on McGarr's single to left.  After sophomore Kristen Lucas (Newmarket, Ont. / Mulock S.S.) walked, senior Shelby Spano's bouncer through the right side plated Buchanan.

IN THE CIRCLE

Butler tossed her third no-hitter of the season and seventh of her career.  She faced just 23 batters.

GLIAC Pitcher of the Year Chelsea McManaway (16-7) allowed one earned run on four hits with one walk and one strikeout in three innings.  Jenna Iman surrendered two earned runs on four hits in 1.1 innings with one walk and zero strikeouts.  Morgan James pitched the final 1.2 innings.

LEADING THE WARRIORS

McGarr went 2-for-3 with two RBI, while six other Warriors had hits.

UP NEXT

Wayne State will play at 10 am on Sunday to begin the GLIAC Tournament Championship round.