TUCSON, Ariz. – The Drake softball team saw its schedule changed around on Friday at the Bear Down Fiesta with forecasted rain throughout the day and played just one game against Utah Valley, which ended in an 11-2 loss in six innings.
 
The Bulldogs were first on the board following a scoreless first inning of play as Natalee Watts homered for the second-straight day sending a solo blast over the left field wall. Watts upped her home run total to four this season after only hitting one all of last year.
 
The home runs kept flying out of Hillenbrand Stadium as the game moved along with both Drake and Utah Valley going yard. The Wolverines eventually took the lead, 2-1, after a pair of solo shots in the third and fourth innings vaulted them ahead. However, Ava Curry launched her first homer of the year in the bottom of the fourth to even the game at 2-2.
 
After both sides were held scoreless in the fifth inning, Utah Valley ran away with the game in sixth scoring nine runs in the frame. The Wolverines put up the crooked number off a solo homer, a two-run home run, an RBI single, a three-run double, and a two-run base knock. Drake used three different pitchers in the inning, but to no avail.
 
The game ended in the bottom of the sixth with the Bulldogs failing to score to keep their comeback chances alive.
 
Drake was held to just four hits in the contest with Pearson Hall and Malea Yoxsimer recorded the other two hits for the Bulldogs. From the pitchers circle, the Bulldogs used four total arms and allowed 11 hits, four home runs, and picked up just two strikeouts.
 
Providing any changes due to weather, the Bulldogs will conclude their time at the Bear Down Fiesta tomorrow with a doubleheader against Coastal Carolina and Creighton. First pitch with the Chanticleers is slated for 10 a.m. CT with the matchup against the Bluejays set to follow at 12:30 p.m. CT.