DES MOINES, Iowa – Drake softball lost their second game in as many days this evening when the Iowa Hawkeyes (26-15, 7-4) came to town. The Bulldogs (11-24, 4-9) displayed flashes both at the plate and in the dish but could not hold on to an early lead as Iowa left Des Moines with a 5-2 win.
 
The Hawkeyes scored the game's first run after a scoreless opening frame when Brylee Klosterman doubled courtesy runner Haley Downe home.
 
An inning later, the heart of Drake's lineup came through to give the Bulldogs their only lead of the game. Haylee Lehman reached on a fielder's choice and was then driven in all the way from first on a double to the right center gap off the bat of Emily Valtman. Emma Dighton then logged another RBI on a single through the left side to bring Valtman across.
 
Iowa was able to keep the Drake offense at bay the remainder of the game and managed a trio of insurance runs between the fourth and fifth innings to reach the 5-2 final tally.
 
Emily Valtman led the Bulldogs at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a run scored and another driven in. Nine-hitter Sami Miller also recorded two base knocks while fellow DMACC transfer Emma Dighton also had a productive night with a hit, a walk, and an RBI.
 
Hawkeye hurler Breanna Vasquez earned her 14th win of the season with three innings of relief work. Dighton started for Drake in the circle and fell to 4-8 after taking the loss.
 
The Bulldogs will host another top-tier Missouri Valley Conference club Illinois State from Apr. 14-16 before welcoming rival UNI to town for a rematch.