SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- A record-tying first inning set UNI softball up for a smooth sailing semifinal victory over in-state rival Drake.
The Panthers put up enough runs to run-rule the Bulldogs in the bottom of the first in their debut of the MVC Championship Tournament on Friday morning. A home run, a double, three singles, and three walks in the first made up the majority of UNI's offense to grab the 9-1 win to move to the championship game on Saturday afternoon.
After two Drake batters made it on base, starting pitcher Kailyn Packard threw two straight strikeouts to end the top of the first.