AMES, Iowa – Drake softball (16-31, 9-15) could not complete the season sweep of Iowa State (22-28, 4-11) in an in-state matchup Wednesday evening. The Bulldogs and Cyclones traded a handful of scores early before the Big 12 hosts exploded in the final three innings to earn the six-inning victory.

Emma Dighton got the scoring start in the top of the first with a two-RBI single through the right side to bring Emily Valtman and Haylee Lehman. Skylar Rigby added to Drake's early lead with a sacrifice fly to bring Dighton back around.

The Cyclones answered with two runs of their own in the home half of the opening inning when Mikayla Ramos homered to left.

Iowa State continued their early rally with another multi-score stanza in second as Tatum Johnson drove two in with a triple Milaysia Ochoa delivered a sacrifice fly.

Drake did their best to keep pace, cutting the 5-3 deficit in half with an Aubree Beitzinger single to left center to bring Dighton home for the second time of the game.

Despite their offensive aggression, the Bulldogs were unable to keep the score there as Iowa State added another three runs in the bottom of the fourth and four more scores in the sixth to end the game, 12-4.

Haylee Lehman led the Bulldogs at the plate, going 3-for-4 in the leadoff spot. Both Dighton and Beitzinger each logged two base knocks while Dighton also led Drake with a pair of runs scored and driven in.

Starter Molly Hoekstra fell to 0-5 on the season after going 1.1 innings with two K's and five runs allowed. Jayme Scheck and Emma Richards also saw some time in the circle, each throwing at least two full innings.

The Bulldogs will be back in action this weekend for their final homestand and final series of the regular season. Drake will host the Flames of UIC from Friday, May 5 to Sunday, May 7. The Sunday contest will feature a recognition ceremony for the Bulldog seniors prior to first pitch.