The Basics
Drake softball begins conference play this weekend against Missouri State in a three-game series. The Bulldogs are traveling south to Springfield, Mo. for the road set. The games will take place from Friday, Mar. 17 to Sunday, Mar. 19.
The Bulldogs will then make a pitstop in Columbia, Mo. for a non-conference tilt against Missouri on Wednesday, Mar. 22.
About the Bulldogs
Drake currently holds a record of 6-13 on the season. The Bulldogs competed in the Gopher Indoor Classic last weekend in Minneapolis, Minn. where they finished 2-3. Drake dominated St. Thomas 14-5 in a statement win, which was the highlight of the weekend for the Bulldogs.
MaKayla Rice and
Aubree Beitzinger are swinging hot bats for The Bulldogs, holding batting averages of .333 and .322 respectively. Rice and Beitzinger are also first and second in at-bats for Drake.
Emma Dighton has also been a spark in the lineup for the Bulldogs, sporting a slugging percentage of .456 and driving in 16 runs, both team-high marks.
Mackenzie Hupke has been impressive in the circle this season, pitching to a 3.00 earned run average in a team-high 37.1 innings pitched. Adding to her resume, Hupke leads Drake in strikeouts with 40. Hupke also has two complete games under her belt and has earned two MVC Pitcher of the Week nominations.
Scouting the Competition
The Bulldogs begin their series against Missouri State on Friday, Mar. 17 at 5 p.m. The other two games are on Saturday, Mar. 18 at 2 p.m. and Sunday, Mar. 19 at 12 p.m.
Drake holds the advantage in their extensive history against Missouri State, holding a 31-18 record versus the conference rival. Missouri State, however, has had recent success against Drake, winning four out of the last six contests between the two schools.
Like Drake, Missouri State has struggled this season as they come into the weekend with a 9-14 record. Both Drake and Missouri State have lost three games in a row and are looking to succeed in conference play.
The Bulldogs and the Bears will square off at Killian Stadium in Springfield, Mo this weekend.
Drake will then battle the 18-9 Missouri Tigers at Mizzou Softball Stadium on Wednesday, Mar. 22. Mizzou has had a great year so far, despite starting 0-3 in SEC play with a series loss to Kentucky.
The Bulldogs be seeking their first win over Mizzou in 14 tries. The Tigers have won every meeting dating back to 2004.
Up Next
Drake will return to Des Moines for their home-opening series against Indiana State. The Bulldogs and Sycamores will battle in a three-game set from Friday, Mar. 24 to Sunday, Mar. 26.
