The Drake University softball team is set to host South Dakota in a double-header for its home opener on Tuesday March 28 and then host Southern Illinois on Saturday and Sunday for its first home conference games of the season.

Prior to the first pitch on Tuesday, the Bulldogs will hold a moment of silence for former player Gabbie Jonas who passed away in early March. 

The Bulldogs had their series against Illinois State canceled due to the Valley's weather threshold policy. The series is set to be rescheduled for a later date.
 
The Coyotes head to Des Moines after facing North Dakota State. The Coyotes went 2-1 in the series, winning 5-4 and 8-1. Courtney Wilson leads South Dakota with a .337 batting average.
 
After their meeting with the Coyotes, Drake will host the Salukis in a double header on Saturday and single game on Sunday to finish the series.
 
SIU has won its last three games, where they swept Loyola in the series 3-0. In their three games against the Ramblers, the Salukis scored a total of 18 runs.
 
Rylie Hamilton leads SIU with a .391 batting average and Jenny Jansen has recorded five home runs this season alone.
 
The Bulldogs will then head to Iowa City to take on the Hawkeye after hosting South Dakota and SIU.

Admission to games at Ron Buel Field will be free this season and dogs are no longer allowed in the part due to campus policy.  Gates will open one hour prior to the first pitch.