CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The Drake University softball team (0-1) got their 2024 season underway this evening with a neutral site matchup against Omaha. The Bulldogs surrendered a pair of early runs and were eventually put away with six more in the final two innings as the Mavericks (2-0) earned an 8-0 result.
 
Sydney Ross got the Mavericks started in the first inning with a two-RBI single to left center that plated Maggie O'Brien and Sydney Thomason.
 
The Bulldogs then held firm for the next three innings but could not mount an offensive threat as Omaha eventually delivered again. O'Brien scored again in the fifth inning on an Emma Durr fielder's choice. Durr and Thomason later crossed home as well. Freshman Sammy Schmidt capped off the fifth inning with an RBI groundout to plate Ross.
 
Omaha added two more runs in the sixth inning on a Ross fielder's choice to reach the eventual final tally of 8-0. Sydney Nuismer started and went the distance in the circle for the Mavericks, earning her first win of the season.
 
Emma Dighton shined bright for the Bulldogs despite taking the loss as the starting hurler. She threw four innings and struck out two batters while posting a 2-for-3 night at the plate. Addie Lightner, Allie Bishoff, and MaKayla Rice also logged hits for Drake.
 
The Bulldogs will be back in action for another two-bill tomorrow as they are set to take on Western Illinois at 10:30 a.m. and Butler at 1 p.m.