Rich Calvert
The Drake softball team has taken command of the Missouri Valley Conference race as the Bulldog’s prepare for this weekend’s visit to Loyola.
Drake is 9-0 in the league race and owns a three game lead over Wichita State and Bradley.
“It’s a pleasant surprise”, said Drake coach Rich Calvert. “In the sport of softball it is hard to put a lot of wins together without any losses and so far we have managed to do that. You always have to have a little luck as well as timely hitting.”
Sophomore Nicole Newman is 7-0 in Valley play and leads a pitching staff that has struck out 66 batters in conference play while walking only 18.
“If we can minimize the walks then it is O.K. to give up maybe a hit or two in an inning as long as we don’t give up the big hit.”
Drake and Loyola will play a doubleheader on Saturday and close out the series with a single game on Sunday.