NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Drake softball team (14-30, 7-15) lost a close game against the Belmont Bruins (24-21, 9-12) in their first-ever matchup against the MVC newcomer. The Bruins defeated Drake 2-1 in a pitchers' duel to steal the first game of the series.

Sami Miller doubled to open the scoring and plate Carey Koenig in the top of the second inning, giving Drake a 1-0 lead.

Belmont matched the Bulldogs with a Nicole Hughes doubles to score the game-tying run in the next inning before eventually plating the go-ahead score in the sixth with a Brenna Blume RBI double.

Mackenzie Hupke hurled six innings for the Bulldogs, striking out two batters. She allowed six hits and two earned runs. Hupke battled Belmont's Emma Summers who threw a complete game. Summers fanned nine batters and allowed zero earned runs in her seven frames of work. The Belmont ace picked up her ninth win of the season.

Drake will continue their series against Belmont tomorrow afternoon at 2 p.m.