DES MOINES, Iowa -- The Drake University softball team split its series with South Dakota, 1-1, in its home opener on Tuesday March 29.

South Dakota 5, Drake 3
The Bulldogs dropped game one of their double header with the Coyotes. South Dakota got on the board first after scoring two runs in the first inning. 

Delaney Taylor singled to centerfield, allowing Macy Johnson to score, bringing Drake within one of the Coyotes. 

Emily Valtman slammed a home run to right center field bringing in Johnson as she did it. 

The Coyotes had two home runs by their third baseman, helping them take the lead over Drake. 

Nicole Timmons recorded her second game this season with eight strikeouts and her third game with eight or more. 


Drake 14, South Dakota 3
South Dakota opened game two with a two RBI homerun to take a 2-0 lead. 

The Bulldogs started game two off strong from behind the plate, scoring five runs in the first inning alone. Valtman hit a solo home run to left field, bringing Drake within one of South Dakota.

MaKayla Rice slammed a home run out to center field, bringing in an additional two runners. Drake took a five to two lead over the Coyotes. 

Valtman led Drake with five RBI's in game two and Rice added an addition three. 

Molly Hoekstra recorded her first career start when she took the mound for the first three innings. She recorded her first win pitching for the Bulldogs.

Mackenzie Hupke finished the Bulldogs off after coming in midway through the fourth inning. 

The Bulldogs will host Southern Illinois for a series starting Saturday April 2.