FORT COLLINS, Colo. – The Drake Bulldog softball team (10-10) concluded a weather-delayed Colorado State Rams Invitational today with a Monday afternoon contest. The Bulldogs could not keep up with the host Rams' potent offense as Drake faltered in the tournament finale.
 
Colorado State opened the scoring in the bottom of the first inning with a powerful display. Ashley York, Peyton Allen, and Molly Gates all homered for the Rams as they built a quick 4-0 lead.
 
The Bulldogs bounced back for a run of their own in the second as Haylee Lehman bunted Abby Martin in. The start to Drake's comeback effort was halted promptly, however, as the Rams added two more in their portion of the second inning.
 
Trailing 6-1, Emma Dighton singled to score MaKayla Rice as Drake kept within striking distance. Martin later scampered home on an Allie Bishoff double, but their third run was not enough as Colorado State added a few more insurance runs to reach the 10-3 final.
 
Dighton led the Drake offense, going 3-for-4 with an RBI. Martin's two runs paced Drake on the paths.
 
Jayme Scheck started and suffered the loss in the circle after just a third of an inning. She is now 2-5 on the season. Emma Richards came on for 5.2 innings of relief work.
 
Drake's schedule now turns towards MVC play as the Bulldogs prepare for a trip to Carbondale, Ill. and a three-game series against the league-leading Salukis.