CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - The Drake University softball team began its 2011 campaign with a pair of victories Saturday at the Ramada UNI-Dome Classic. The Bulldogs downed South Dakota, 6-0, in the season-opener and won, 7-3, against North Dakota in game two.

Senior pitcher Jenna DeLong (Dalton Gardens, Idaho) was brilliant in her season debut, fanning a career-high 16 in seven shutout innings while allowing just three hits to South Dakota.

Senior catcher Erin Mollohan (Tinley Park, Ill.) picked up where she left off a season ago with a two-run double in a four-run Drake sixth against the Coyotes. The senior finished the day 4-for-7 with two runs scored, two doubles and two RBI.

Freshman Nicole Randel (Alpine, Calif.) had a stellar Drake debut, going 3-for-4 with a three-run home run to right field in game two against North Dakota. The shot tied the game and kicked off a six-run sixth inning that propelled the Bulldogs to a 7-3 victory.

Senior pitcher Brynne Dordel (Chanhassen, Minn.) tossed seven innings against the Fighting Sioux, allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits while striking out 11 to earn the win.

Junior Torey Craddock (Tucson, Ariz.) tallied three hits and scored twice on the day - both against South Dakota.

The Bulldogs continue play at the Ramada UNI-Dome Classic with two games on Sunday. Drake meets Green Bay at 10 a.m. and UTEP at noon.