STORY BY ADAM ROGAN
The softball season kicked off over the weekend in Cedar Falls at the UNI Dome Tournament.
The first game of 2015 featured an 8-0, mercy rule, shutout victory over Iowa on Friday night.
Senior Rebekah Schmidt started the game on the mound, allowing just one hit in her complete game shutout, striking out six and walking only three.
A first inning homer from third baseman Hayley Nybo opened up scoring, plating three.
The Bulldogs didn’t wait long to repeat that success, defeating Southern Utah 8-0, again by mercy rule, the next morning.
Freshman Nicole Newman hurled a complete game shutout in her collegiate debut, striking out eight, walking five and surrendering only three hits.
Sophomore Megan Sowa shined in the game as well, recording six RBIs on three hits.
North Dakota State decided to end Drake’s streak at two, sneaking past the Bulldogs 2-1 on Saturday despite another complete game from Schmidt.
North Dakota State slaughtered Drake again the next day 7-1 in Newman’s second career start.
The Bulldogs woes at the plate ceased as they demolished their hosts, the University of Northern Iowa, 7-1 to close the weekend.
Schmidt earned her second win of the tournament, again in a complete game, while also contributing a three-run homer.
