Box Score

DES MOINES - The Loyola University Chicago softball team fell just short in game two of Friday's doubleheader against Drake, falling to the Bulldogs, 2-1. With the loss, Loyola drops to 11-20 on the season and 2-8 in Missouri Valley Conference play, while Drake improves to a conference-best 9-2 in Valley play. Jessica Balzano led the Ramblers, recording two of Loyola's four hits.

After two scoreless innings, the Ramblers struck first in the top of the third. After two outs to begin the frame, Jacquelyn Murphy kept the inning alive with a two-out single to center field. Brie Pasquale followed up that at-bat with a walk to put two runners on base before Jamie O'Brien hit a single to knock in a run and give Loyola the 1-0 lead.

Loyola maintained the lead until the bottom of the fifth inning, when a single and back-to-back doubles brought in two runs for the Bulldogs, giving Drake a 2-1 lead and ultimately the victory.

The Ramblers wrap up the three-game series tomorrow at noon.