SIU freshman Brianna Jones and Drake sophomore Nicole Newman entered Saturday as the nation's leader in shutouts and the MVC leader in strikeouts, respectively. Newman rolled to the win after her offense provided her with five runs in the home-half of the second inning.
Drake won 7-1, and despite the scoring, Jones and Newman combined for 11 scoreless half-innings and six 1-2-3 innings.
The Bulldogs scratched across a run thanks to the baserunning of freshman pinch-runner Melissa Schlotzhauer who ran for sophomore designated hitter Kailee Smith. Smith started the inning with a walk then Schlotzhauer stole second, advanced to third on a sacrifice and scored on a fielder's choice.