MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Mackenzie Hupke spun a gem as the Drake softball team defeated Central Michigan, 3-1 to open the Gopher Indoor Classic at U.S. Bank Stadium on Friday (March 10).
 
The Bulldogs (5-10) struck first when Addie Lightner drove in Haylee Lehman with two outs on an infield single up the middle.
 
Drake's 1-0 lead since the top of the first inning remained until the top of the sixth inning when the Bulldogs loaded the bases with a pair of singles and a walk. Sami Miller stepped up to the plate with one out and sent a single to left center scoring Delaney Taylor and Emma Dighton.
 
Aided by an error, the Chippewas (9-11) got a run back in the bottom of the sixth.
 
Hupke (3-2) finished her complete game effort without allowing an earned run on only two hits while striking out five batters.
 
In the leadoff spot, Haylee Lehman went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases.
 
Drake softball will play St. Thomas at 9 a.m. followed by a 11:30 a.m. meeting with North Dakota State on Saturday (March 11) as part of day two at the Gopher Indoor Classic.