DES MOINES, Iowa – Senior Liz Buck (Overland Park, Kan.) delivered a clutch two-RBI single in a three-run fourth inning for the Drake University softball team as Drake held on for a 3-2 win over Missouri State on Sunday at Ron Buel Field.

Junior Rebekah Schmidt (Cottage Grove, Minn.) earned the decision in the circle for the Bulldogs as she is now 9-10 on the year. Schmidt, who relieved senior Jordan Gronewold (Carlisle, Iowa), worked out of several jams on Sunday, including in the seventh inning as the Bears had the tying run on second base with one out. Missouri State pushed one run across in the frame, but Schmidt punched out one hitter and then coaxed a groundout to Buck to end the game.

Sunday's win improved Drake's record to 10-23 overall and 3-6 in Missouri Valley Conference play and the victory secured the series for the Bulldogs, their first MVC series of 2014. The loss drops Missouri State to 21-14 and 4-5 in The Valley.

Amy Pierce (Olathe, Kan.) recorded two hits, drew two walks and stole a base, while Gronewold went 1-for-3 with a run scored and one RBI. Gronewold pitched well in the circle going three innings and allowing just one unearned run on three hits. Schmidt tossed four innings and allowed just the one run, while striking out four. She also had one double, which is her fourth in the past four games.

Junior Laura Brewer (Waukee, Iowa) finished 1-for-3 to extend her hitting streak to four games, and she has at least one hit in five out of the last six games.

Drake welcomes in-state rival Iowa State to Ron Buel Field on Wednesday, April 9 with first pitch scheduled for 5 p.m. The Bulldogs and the Cyclones split the series last season with the home teams coming out on top in each respective contest.