DES MOINES, Iowa – The league-leading UNI Panthers (27-11, 16-1) used an impressive display of power to take down Drake 9-2 earlier this evening. The Bulldogs (11-28, 4-13) plated a pair of late inning runs but could not chase down UNI.
 
The Panthers got the scoring started with a bang as the visitors smashed three home runs in third inning. First, nine-hitter Daryn Lamprecht delivered a solo shot laser over the right field fence. After a pair of base knocks, Mya Dodge continued the Panthers' powerful demonstration with a three-run blast to right center. A batter later, Addison McElrath sent a solo blast of her own over the same part of the outfield wall. UNI's three-homer third gave them a 5-0 lead.
 
In the fourth, Kylee Sanders nearly single-handedly produced two more scores with an RBI triple to right center to plate Faith Standerski before sprinting home on a passed ball.
 
Drake was able to get a run back in the fifth inning when Addie Lightner grounded out to bring Sami Miller across.
 
The Bulldogs could not build upon their lone run until the final inning when Emma Dighton drove in Haylee Lehman with an infield single. The Panthers also added two more runs between the sixth and seventh innings to reach the 9-2 final score.
 
Lehman logged two hits and a run to lead the Bulldogs' offensive attack. Miller scored Drake's other run and joined Lehman in the scorebook with a double each.
 
UNI's Samantha Heyer picked up her 18th win of the year with five innings and five strikeouts. Drake starter Emma Dighton went 2.1 innings after starting and struck out three Panthers in the loss.
 
Next up, Drake will start an eight-game road stretch this weekend with a trip to Valparaiso, Ind. The Beacons and Bulldogs will battle in a three-game series from Apr. 21-23.