The Drake softball team opens the Missouri Valley Conference tournament on Thursday with an opening round game against Southwest Missouri State in Wichita. The Bulldogs finished the regular season 28-23 overall and are the fifth seed in the tournament after posting a conference record of 14-13. Drake coach Rich Calvert says while Southern Illinois and host Wichita State are the clear favorites anything is possible in a tournament like this. He says that’s especially true in softball where a bloop single, or a lucky break here and there can lead to an upset. He says if they get hot they have as good a shot to win as anybody. Calvert says a key in tournament play is to not make mistakes and give up easy runs. He says you need good pitching, good defense, and timely hitting, along with a little luck.Drake won two of three games against Southwest Missouri State during the regular season.