DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake softball team began its packed week on Tuesday evening with a home game against in-state rival UNI, but it was the Panthers coming away with the victory, 7-1.
 
After a scoreless first inning, Drake found itself facing a deficit that remained for the rest of the game. The Panthers put the first run on the scoreboard in loud way with a solo home run from Drew Hinrichs in the second inning.
 
The Panthers built on their lead in the following inning using some small ball this time. An RBI single by Addison McElrath plated the first run for UNI and Hinrichs continued to produce at the plate with an RBI single of her own to make the score 3-0.
 
Emma Dighton provided the lone offensive output for the Bulldogs in the fourth hitting her eighth homer of the season, a solo blast to left field, despite Drake tallying eight hits in the contest.
 
The fifth inning is when UNI broke away from the Bulldogs as it scored four runs in the frame. Skyler Benesh began the scoring with a solo home run and was followed up with a two-RBI base knock from Hinrichs and later a fielders choice which brought in another run.
 
The Bulldogs used a variety of pinch hitters over the final two innings to try and start a rally, but couldn't get any runs across the plate, eventually falling to UNI, 7-1.
 
Ava Curry and Dighton recorded half of Drake's hits with each player going 2-for-3, respectively. Pitcher Peyton Driscoll suffered the loss going 3.0 innings with three earned runs on five hits and four strikeouts.
 
Drake returns to action tomorrow with a non-conference doubleheader against South Dakota from Ron Buel Field. Game one is slated to start at 3 p.m. with game two beginning shortly after the conclusion of game one.