DES MOINES, Iowa – A rough second inning doomed the Drake University softball team Wednesday afternoon as the Iowa Hawkeyes got its offense in gear early and often, defeating the Bulldogs 18-0 at Ron Buel Field.

The Hawkeyes (21-13, 1-5 Big 10) 18 runs are a season-high and accomplished the feat on 15 hits. Drake (19-13, 5-2 MVC) struggled at the plate finishing with just four hits, while committing three errors on the day.

After getting out of a bases loaded jam in the first inning, Drake didn't have the same luck in the second frame; with the Hawkeyes taking a 6-0 lead on three hits, including a home run and three errors. This proved to be the key inning of the game, as Drake was not able to recover from the damage.

Junior Jordan Gronewold (Carlisle, Iowa) started the game, but lasted just 1.1 innings, allowing five unearned runs and three hits before being relieved by sophomore Rebekah Schmidt (Cottage Grove, Minn.). Schmidt surrendered two runs on two hits and two walks in 0.2 innings of work. Freshman Mariah Mckinnon (Oxford, Iowa) pitched a single inning, allowing four runs on three hits and three walks before Gronewold returned in the fourth frame. In her second stint, Gronewold tossed two innings, with the Hawkeyes recording nine hits and seven runs.

Amy Pierce (Olathe, Kan.), Hayley Nybo (Minnetonka, Minn.), Laura Brewer (Waukee, Iowa) and Gronewold each had one hit for the Bulldogs. Pierce hit her first triple of the year.

Drake looks to bounce this weekend with Missouri Valley Conference action as they host the Indiana State Sycamores. Saturday features a doubleheader, with first pitch set for noon. The teams play a single contest on Sunday starting at noon.