DES MOINES, Iowa – Sophomore Kelsey Wright (Olathe, Kan.) hit a three-run home run in the fifth inning to help the Drake University softball team edge UNI, 3-2, in Missouri Valley Conference action Wednesday evening at Ron Buel Field. Drake (25-22, 13-7 MVC) snapped an eight-game losing streak with the win over UNI (35-15, 13-7 MVC).
 
Sophomore pitcher Nicole Newman (Madison, Wis.) earned the win to improve to 18-11 in the circle with her 20th complete game of the season. Newman allowed just two runs on three hits while striking out eight and she worked around three walks and a hit batter.
 
UNI led 2-0 behind solo home runs by Kennedy Bailey and Chelsea Ross. Bailey's came in the second inning and Ross hit her home run in the fourth inning.
 
Senior Mariah McKinnon (Oxford, Iowa) drew a one-out walk in the fifth inning and the next batter, sophomore Tasha Alexander (Eddyville, Iowa), dropped a perfect bunt for a base hit before Wright's game-winner. It is the first home run of the season for Wright.
 
Freshman Taryn Pena (Columbia, Ill.) had Drake's other hit in the game in the first inning when the Bulldogs threatened with runners on the corners before being retired.
 
Ross took the loss after allowing three runs on three hits in five innings. She struck out seven and walked three.
 
Drake travels to Illinois State Saturday for a doubleheader starting at noon. The teams will play a single game Sunday at noon.