The Basics
Drake softball returns to action for the 2023 season debut this weekend. The Bulldogs are set to take the field against three non-conference opponents at the UNI-Dome Tournament in Cedar Falls, Iowa from Feb. 10 to Feb. 12
 
About the Bulldogs
The Drake softball team will look to improve upon their 2022 campaign this season. A year ago, the Bulldogs finished the regular season as the No. 4 seed in the 2022 MVC Tournament. Drake proceeded to take down Bradley in the quarterfinals before getting eliminated by regular season champion and eventual tournament runner-up UNI in the semifinals.
 
The Bulldogs return a handful of elite players in the MVC including 2022 First-Team All-MVC utility player Emily Valtman, a .348 hitter with a team-high 12 home runs in 2022. Other key position players coming back for the Bulldogs are outfielder Delaney Taylor, a Second-Team All-MVC player last season, and utility player Addie Lightner, another second-teamer and All-Defense honoree. Drake also brings back pitchers Paige Bedsworth, a star in the circle and at the plate, and Mackenzie Hupke.
 
Scouting the Opposition
Drake will face off against three familiar foes at the UNI-Dome Tournament. The Bulldogs will start their season with a bout against Iowa State on Friday, Feb. 10 at 5 p.m. and then again at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11. The Cyclones hold a 19-13 advantage in their all-time series with Drake and have won four of the last six meetings.
 
The Bulldogs will play two more games against the Mavericks of Omaha on Saturday, Feb. 11 and Sunday, Feb. 12. Drake leads the Mavericks 7-3 in that all-time rivalry with three wins in the last four meetings.
 
Finally, Drake will conclude their weekend with a matchup against South Dakota on Sunday, Feb. 12 at 2 p.m. The Bulldogs and Coyotes have faced off on four previous occasions with Drake owning a 3-1 advantage.
 
Where to Follow
The UNI-Dome Tournament action will not be televised. Fans looking to follow the Bulldogs this weekend can find updates on the team's Twitter feed (@DrakeSoftball) tune into UNI's live stats feed here.
 
Up Next
The Bulldogs will travel to Fayetteville, Ark. for a five-game weekend against a pair of power conference foes. Drake will battle the Wildcats of Arizona and the hosts from Arkansas from Friday, Feb. 24 to Sunday, Feb. 26.