UNI softball looks for series sweep against in-state rival Drake this week

UNI softball vs. Drake

5 p.m. | April 25
Cedar Falls, Iowa | Robinson-Dresser Sports Complex
ESPN+ | David Warrington: Play-by-play, Julie Starbuck: Analyst

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- After a big road weekend in Illinois, the Panthers return home to complete their series against in-state rival Drake Bulldogs.

In the only road game against Drake this season, UNI picked up its second win over the Bulldogs. The Panthers had a similar game to the series opener in Cedar Falls as they took the lead early in the matchup and put nine runs on the board. UNI will try to do the same on Tuesday evening in their early night game with Drake.

THE PANTHERS:
- UNI added their fifth Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) sweep over the weekend in three tough games against the Illinois State Redbirds. The Panthers trailed in all three games but overcame one, two, and three-run deficits to take three straight wins in Normal.
- The Panthers will look to pick up their sixth and seventh series sweeps this week with games against Drake and Valparaiso. UNI will host both teams over the week, including the Panthers' final game against the Bulldogs for the season. UNI took the series win last week with a 9-2 win at Ron Buel Field in Des Moines and will go for the sweep at Robinson Dresser on Tuesday night.
- Sophomore shortstop Kylee Sanders was the UNI hero of the weekend, hitting two game-winning home runs in back-to-back games. Sanders hit a two-run homer in the top of the seventh to give UNI a lead to win Saturday and Sunday's games against Illinois State and secure another series sweep.
- Tuesday's game at Robinson-Dresser Sports Complex will be the Panthers' annual Pink Out game in support of breast cancer initiatives. Fans coming to Tuesday night's matchup are encouraged to wear pink to the ballpark. UNI players will also be wearing their pink jerseys against the Bulldogs.

THE BULLDOGS:
- Drake had a big week on the road after Tuesday's game against the Panthers. The Bulldogs picked up their second Valley sweep of the season in Valparaiso with three straight wins against the Beacons.
- The Bulldogs were propelled to only their second sweep with several big offensive performances. Drake averages 3.33 runs a game but averaged 6.66 runs against the Beacons and was led by first baseman Addie Lightner who had three straight multi-hit games for the first time this season.
- Drake is currently ninth in the MVC standings, tied with the Evansville Aces. Evansville holds the tiebreaker advantage over the Bulldogs with more overall wins. The two teams will not face each other in the regular season due to the new schedule format within the Valley.
- Bulldog outfielder Emma Dighton continues to lead the team on offense with the highest batting average and slugging percentage at .290 and .534 thanks to seven home runs, five doubles, and three triples. Dighton is also a double threat for Drake as she makes regular appearances in the circle as a reliever. With 64.2 innings pitched, Dighton has a 4.87 ERA and has thrown 39 strikeouts.

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