DES MOINES, Iowa -- The Drake softball team dropped its series opener to Bradley, 9-1 upon a return to Ron Buel Field on Friday, April 19 after a four-game road swing. 

Drake (18-20, 6-9) starting pitcher Molly Hoekstra (9-5) struck out the first batter of the game before a walk, fielder's choice and an error put two runners in scoring position with one out. Abbott Badgley sent a single to right field plating an unearned run in the top of the first.

The Bulldogs responded immediately in the bottom of the first frame. MaKayla Rice drew a leadoff walk then promptly stole second and advanced to third on an error by the Bradley backstop. Rice crossed home plate after a wild pitch to even the score 1-1 after one inning. 

The game did not remain deadlocked long. With the bases loaded and two down in the top of the second, Sydney Kennedy reached on an error by Drake shortstop Abby Martin as two runs scored. 

Bradley broke the game open with a six-run top of the fifth inning. The bases were loaded again with one out as the Bulldogs turned to the bullpen and Paige Bedsworth. A pair of two-RBI singles to center by Kennedy and Macey Moore helped the Braves pull away to an eventual 9-1 victory in five innings. 

Hoekstra finished the day going 4.1 innings in the circle allowing three earned runs on eight hits with four walks and two strikeouts. 

Drake managed two hits, one apiece from Rice and Skylar Rigby while committing four errors as a team. 

The Bulldogs return to Ron Buel Field in the second game of the series against Bradley on Saturday, April 20 at 2 p.m.