DES MOINES, Iowa -- The Drake University softball fell in the final game of its series with Southern Illinois, 13-5, Sunday afternoon at Buel Field. 

The Salukis took an early lead with a two-run homerun in the top of the first. SIU had another two-run homerun in the top of the second, for the Salukis to take a 4-0 run. 

The Bulldogs tied the game in the bottom of the sixth after Emily Valtman slammed a solo homerun to get Drake on the board, 4-2. 

Valtman's homerun against the Salukis' was her second of the series and fourth in the past six days.

Addie Lightner pinch hit for MaKayla Rice and doubled down the left line to record two RBI's. The next Drake batter walked and Skylar Rigby then pinch hit for Alexia Lara. Rigby grounded out to second base allowing Libby Ryan to score and Drake to tie the game 4-4. 

The Salukis' recorded nine runs in the top of the seventh to take back the lead 13-4. 

Ryan hit a sacrifice fly to left field in the bottom of the seventh to get Macy Johnson to cross home plate, bringing Drake to five runs on the afternoon. 

Drake heads to Iowa City to take on the Hawkeye's on Wednesday April 6 at 5pm.