DES MOINES, Iowa --  The Drake University Softball Team defeated Valparaiso in its double header on Saturday April 23. Prior to the game, the parents of late catcher Gabbie Jonas threw an honorary first pitch. Alumni of the softball program were recognized on the field prior to the first pitch.
 
Drake 10, Valparaiso 2
In the bottom of the first, Emily Valtman was the first to the plate and recorded a 1-1 count. On the third pitch thrown her way, she drilled a ball into right field for her ninth homerun of the year and tied the game 1-1.
 
The Beacons scored their final run of the game in the top of the third when Taylor Herschbach crossed home plate.
 
The bottom of the fifth brought six Bulldogs across home plate – Valtman, Addie Lightner, Carey Koenig, Paige Bedsworth, and MaKayla Rice – to give Drake an 8-2 advantage.
 
Macy John singled up the middle in the bottom of the sixth, allowing Valtman to score. Johnson later scored to end the game 10-2.
 
Drake 5, Valpo 4
Valparaiso scored in the first and second inning to take a 2-0 advantage over the Bulldogs. Rice found an opportunity in the bottom of the second to score on a passed ball and bring Drake within one of the Beacons.
 
Herschbach doubled to centerfield in the top of the fourth and brought two home to make it a 4-1 game.
 
Alexia Lara recorded a 2-2 count before slamming a ball to centerfield for a solo homerun and bringing Drake within two of Valpo.
 
Koenig singled down the right field line in the bottom of the sixth to bring Delaney Taylor across home and bring Drake within one run.
 
Johnson secured the win for Drake in the bottom of the seventh when she singled through the right side. Skylar Rigby and Haylee Lehman both scored for Drake, allowing the Bulldogs to win 5-4.
 
Mackenzie Hupke recorded five strikeouts in her 3.2 innings in the circle.
 
The Bulldogs return to action Sunday April 24 at 12pm for the final game of their series with Valparaiso.