VALPARAISO, Ind. – Drake softball (12-28, 5-13) snapped a six-game losing skid this afternoon with a road win at Valparaiso. The Bulldogs fought behind ace pitcher Mackenzie Hupke to take down the Beacons (8-31, 4-14) to start the road trip off right.
 
The Bulldogs started the scoring in the top of the third inning when Haylee Lehman singled which ensued a Valpo error and allowed Heidi Wheeler to scamper home. Emma Dighton continued Drake's third inning roll with an RBI single to left field to bring Lehman back around.
 
After two scoreless innings, Addie Lightner added to Drake's lead in the top of the sixth with an infield single that drove Aubree Beitzinger home. Skylar Rigby then logged an RBI of her own in the seventh inning with a bunt to plate MaKayla Rice.
 
Valpo managed a run in the bottom of the seventh but could not crack a dominant Mackenzie Hupke as the Drake defense held on to for the 4-1 victory.
 
The trio of Haylee Lehman, Emma Dighton, and Addie Lightner all smacked two base hits each to lead the Bulldog offense. MaKayla Rice, Aubree Beitzinger, and Heidi Wheeler joined Lehman as Drake's run scorers.
 
Mackenzie Hupke had an excellent day in the circle, tying her career high with 13 strikeouts while logging her fifth complete game and sixth win of the year.
 
Drake will continue their series at Valpo tomorrow afternoon at 3 pm.