DES MOINES, Iowa - The Drake University women's basketball team earned a 73-49 victory over Upper Iowa Wednesday in its exhibition debut.

Senior Rachael Hackbarth (Colgate, Wis./Wisconsin Lutheran) scored 12 points in the game's first 12 minutes on her way to a game-high 19 points and 11 rebounds. Hackbarth finished the night 8-of-13 from the floor in 21 minutes of action. Junior Stephanie Running (Oak Creek, Wis./Oak Creek) totaled 10 points in 28 minutes and added three boards and two assists.

"Stephanie [Running] and Hackbarth have a nice chemistry," said head coach Amy Stephens. "They pass well together and have a good feel for each other."

Drake held a slim, 38-35, lead with 15:45 remaining in the game after a back-and-forth first half. Hackbarth drained a three-pointer to kick off a 26-5 Bulldog run that ran for 10 minutes and ended with a layup by Running and a 64-40 Drake lead.

"We made some adjustments in the second half," Stephens said. "From then on, we did a much better job defensively and made better shot selections."

Eight different Bulldog players scored during the streak, with Running's six points leading the way. Redshirt junior Brittnye McSparron (Apple Valley, Minn./Eastview) scored just two of Drake's 26 points during the run, but totaled 13 on the night, including nine in the first half. McSparron was playing in her first game since a knee injury ended her season Feb. 6, 2010 at Wichita State.

"It's really great to have Brittnye [McSparron] back," Stephens said. "It's time for her to get back on the saddle and play all-out."

Redshirt freshman Carly Grenfell (York, Neb./York) also seeing her first action since a knee injury ended her season in early December of last year. Grenfell added eight points on two three-pointers and a pair of free throws.