NORMAL, Ill. – The Drake University softball team battled through a defensive-oriented affair in the series finale at Illinois State today. The Bulldogs rode the right arm of Molly Hoesktra and got another clutch knock from Skylar Rigby to secure their first series win of the 2024 season.

Neither team could muster any sort of groove through the first five innings of action as both the Bulldogs and Redbirds (12-24, 6-5) combined to put 15 batters safely aboard while scoring no runs. In total, both teams left 16 baserunners on in the game.

Eventually, Drake (14-14, 2-4) was able to find a spark. After two quick outs in the top of the sixth inning, Allie Bishoff reached safely and advanced to second on a Redbird throwing error. Skylar Rigby was then sent to the dish as a pinch hitter and promptly singled to center on the first pitch of her at bat. Bishoff scored from second on the play to give Drake a narrow 1-0 lead.
Haylee Lehman then walked, but Drake's hopes for a big inning were halted.

The Dogs then turned to Molly Hoekstra, who started in the circle and pitched marvelously. Hoekstra shut down Illinois State over the next two innings including a three-up, three-down bottom of the seventh. The Bulldogs escaped Normal with the 1-0 game victory and 2-1 series win.

Rigby's RBI and Bishoff's run were the only recorded in both categories for Drake on Saturday afternoon. Both Addie Lightner and Haylee Lehman were also productive at the plate with two hits each.

Hoekstra improved to 6-1 on the year with her fourth complete game and second shutout of the season. She struck out three Redbird batters. Hoekstra is one of just two pitchers in The Valley this year with over 50 innings and just one loss.

Next up, Drake will visit in-state foe Iowa on Apr. 2 before hosting Evansville from Apr. 5-7 for another MVC series.