DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake University softball team hosted UNI in another rivalry matchup this evening. The Bulldogs fought hard but could not keep pace with one of the MVC's top teams as UNI won, 7-0.
 
The Panthers (19-13, 7-3) scored the game's first run as Taylor Hogan scampered home on a wild pitch. UNI added three more runs in the third inning with a Hogan double that cleared the previously loaded bases to give the Panthers a 4-0 cushion.
 
Kylee Sanders added to UNI's charge in the fifth frame, bringing in Addison McElrath on a sacrifice fly. Kate Lappe also scored on the play due to an errant throw.
 
Alexis Pupillo provided the final blow in the top of the sixth with a two-run blast that ricocheted of the scoreboard beyond the right-center fence for her 13th homerun of the year.
 
Skylar Rigby and Haylee Lehman led a mostly stagnant Drake (16-16, 4-6) offense, each going 2-for-3. Carey Koenig and Abby Martin also added base knocks, the latter was a double.
 
Molly Hoekstra started and took the loss for Drake after throwing all seven innings she struck out seven Panthers in the process. UNI's Samantha Heyer won her 10th game of the year with an impressive 13 Ks in the circle.
 
Drake will look to bounce back with another challenging opportunity tomorrow night when the No. 11 Missouri Tigers come to town. It will be the Tigers' first-ever road game at Drake.