DES MOINES, Iowa — The Drake softball team traveled to Chicago, Ill. for the first installment of a three-game set against the UIC Flames on Friday, Apr. 26, at noon. The Bulldogs used their offensive firepower to oust the Flames, 8-1.   
 
In the first inning, Drake came out swinging with four runs to launch themselves into a 4-0 lead, which continued into the 4th inning. The Bulldogs were able to put up another run in each of the fourth and fifth innings to extend their lead to 6-0.
 
UIC was eventually able to put a run on the board, in the seventh, but Drake put things out of reach with an Addie Lightner home run in the top of the final inning.
 
Lightner went 2-for-4 with two runs score and three more driven in. Abby Martin added a 3-for-4 outing with three runs scored and one RBI. Destiny Lewis also went 3-for-4 with a pair of RBI while Dighton post a 2-for-3 day.
 
Molly Hoekstra started and went the distance for another complete fame. She fanned six strikeouts and allowed just one run while improving to 11-5 on the season.
 
Drake and the Flames with continue their series tomorrow afternoon with a 2 p.m. first pitch in Chicago.