DES MOINES, Iowa -- The Drake University softball team defeated Valparaiso in game three of their series, 5-1, to take the series 3-0. 

Valparaiso was on the score board in the first inning after Taylor Herschbach singled up the middle, allowing Jania Westphal to cross home and take the lead 1-0. 

The Bulldogs responded in the bottom of the first after Macy Johnson crossed home plate. 

Drake added two more runs in the third and fourth innings, after Delaney Taylor, Addie Lightner and Heidi Wheeler scored. 

Skylar Rigby singled to shortstop in the bottom of the fifth with bases loaded and no outs. Aubree Beitzinger scored to record Drake's final run of the afternoon. 

Paige Bedsworth recorded her sixth win in the circle this season. She also recorded a career high seven strikeouts in the game. 

The Bulldogs return home on Tuesday April 26 to host UNI for a single meeting. First pitch is scheduled for 6pm.