DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake University softball team battled Indiana State for the Bulldogs' home opening contest this afternoon. The Bulldogs (6-18, 0-4) failed to mount a rally as Indiana State (15-12, 4-0) grabbed an early lead and held on to secure the win.
 
The Sycamores got things started in the top of the third inning after both teams were head scoreless through the first two. Olivia Patton and Danielle Henning both doubled in the frame to plate two runs.
 
Drake retaliated in the bottom half of the third inning when Emily Valtman smashed a double of her own to the left-center gap and bring home Emma Dighton.
 
Indiana State got the run back in the next half inning when TeAnn Bringle doubled home pinch runner Hannah Welch to give the visitors a 3-1 advantage.
 
Neither team could break through over the remaining three innings despite multiple chances. Drake even loaded the bases for the top of their order in the bottom of the seventh but could not muster any runs.
 
Emma Dighton (2-6) took the loss after starting and throwing 2.1 innings with a strikeout. Mackenzie Hupke also logged time in the circle, pitching 4.2 frames with eight K's and three walks.
 
Dighton was the only Bulldog to record multiple base knocks, going 2-for-3 with a walk and Drake's lone run. Valtman, Aubree Beitzinger, Addie Lightner, and pinch hitters Paige Bedsworth and Molly Hoekstra also tallied the scorebook with one hit apiece.
 
The Bulldogs and Sycamores will conclude their weekend series tomorrow with a Saturday double header. The afternoon will commence with first pitch at 1 p.m. followed the series finale.