Drake's softball team takes on Missouri Valley Conference leader Belmont in a pivotal weekend series on April 2-3, after a scheduling change due to anticipated rain. The Bulldogs have struggled this season with an 8-23 overall record and a 2-9 mark in conference play. They recently secured a win against Bradley but faced a setback in the second game of a doubleheader. Key player Kiley Kindelspire is making waves with her strong offensive performance, while Belmont comes in hot, boasting a 24-9 record and one of the best pitchers in the nation, Maya Johnson.

By the Numbers
  • Drake is 8-23 overall and 2-9 in MVC play.
  • Kiley Kindelspire has 4 home runs and 20 RBIs, hitting .299 this season.
  • Belmont has an impressive 24-9 record and leads MVC with 11-3 in conference games.
  • Maya Johnson is 17-1 with 236 strikeouts and an ERA of 0.53.
Yes, But

While Belmont is favored given their strong statistics and current ranking, Drake hopes to capitalize on its recent offensive upswing, particularly with standout performances from their freshmen players.

State of Play
  • Drake is looking to improve team morale after splitting a recent doubleheader against Bradley.
  • Belmont's strong start and recent wins against top-25 teams solidify their position as a formidable opponent.
  • The all-time series is tight, with Belmont leading 5-4, pointing to competitive potential in their matchups.
What's Next

Following the Belmont series, Drake will prepare for a home game against Creighton on April 8, seeking to leverage any momentum gained over the weekend to bolster their conference standing.

Bottom Line

The outcome of this series against Belmont could be crucial for Drake, shaping their trajectory for the remainder of the season and providing a litmus test for their resilience against top-tier competition.