CHICAGO (April 27, 2018) - Loyola plays its final home games of 2018 this weekend when it takes on Missouri Valley Conference leader Drake in a three-game series at Loyola Softball Park. The Ramblers have struggled of late, dropping five of their last six contests, including each of the last four.
Offensive struggles have plagued Loyola during its current four-game slide as it has scored one run in the last 28 innings. In fact, the Ramblers have scored just two runs in their last nine losses.Prior to Sunday's game, Loyola will recognize graduating seniors Jamie O'Brien and Ashley Parenti for their contributions to the program.
 
Catcher Katie Kasubke brings a five-game hitting streak, during which she is batting .357 (5-for-14), into this weekend's series with Drake. After hitting just .214 (12-for-56) through the first 17 games this season, the junior is batting .307 (27-for-88) over the last 27 contests, raising her average 57 points to .271. Since the start of the 2017 season, Kasubke has hit 11 home runs and posted 49 RBI.
 
Series Stuff
Since joining the Missouri Valley Conference, Loyola is 3-10 against Drake and has dropped the last nine contests. In last year's three-game series in Des Moines, the Bulldogs outscored the Ramblers, 16-2.
 
Scouting Drake
Drake is one of the hottest teams in America and carries a 22-game winning streak into Saturday's doubleheader. The Bulldogs last suffered a defeat on March 10 when they fell to Saint Francis (Pa.), 3-1, and they have reeled off 15 straight true road wins. Pitching has been the key to Drake's success this season as it owns a 1.17 team ERA, led by redshirt junior Nicole Newman, who brings a 16-2 record, with a dazzling 0.44 ERA, tops in the nation, and 185 strikeouts in 110.1 innings, into the weekend. Three Bulldogs are hitting over .300, led by Mandi Roemmich, at .350 (50-for-143). 
 
Up Next
Loyola closes out the 2018 regular season next weekend when it travels to Indiana State for a three-game series, May 5-6.