Belmont Softball Sweeps Drake in Series Opener

Bruins deliver dominant pitching and offensive performances in doubleheader

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:50am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a softball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the players, field, and action of the game.Belmont's dominant pitching and explosive offense overwhelm Drake in a series-opening sweep.Belmont Today

The Belmont University Softball team (26–9, 13–3) swept a doubleheader against Drake University on Friday, winning the first game 6-0 behind a no-hitter from Maya Johnson and the second game 11-3 in a run-rule victory. Belmont's offense exploded for a nine-run third inning in the second game, with six different players recording RBIs and every player in the lineup scoring a run.

Why it matters

Belmont's dominant performance against Drake showcases the team's well-rounded abilities, with elite pitching from Maya Johnson complementing a deep and productive offense. The Bruins' success early in the series puts them in a strong position to complete the sweep and continue their impressive season.

The details

In the first game, Belmont scored three runs in the second inning and two more in the third, powered by a two-run home run from Brenna Blume. Maya Johnson tossed a complete-game no-hitter, striking out 15 batters and allowing just one walk. In the second game, Drake took an early 3-0 lead, but Belmont responded with a nine-run third inning, highlighted by a three-run home run from Nicole Hughes. The Bruins added two more runs in the fifth to secure the run-rule victory.

  • The doubleheader took place on Friday, April 2, 2026.
  • The series finale against Drake is scheduled for Saturday, April 3, 2026 at 1 PM CT.

The players

Maya Johnson

A senior pitcher for the Belmont Bruins who tossed a no-hitter in the first game of the doubleheader, her third no-hitter of the season.

Brenna Blume

A Belmont Bruins player who hit a two-run home run in the third inning of the first game.

Nicole Hughes

A Belmont Bruins player who hit a three-run home run in the nine-run third inning of the second game.

Rylee Spindler

A Belmont Bruins player who recorded RBIs in both games of the doubleheader.

Ellie Giles

The Belmont Bruins pitcher who earned the win in the second game, tossing five innings with a season-high five strikeouts.

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What’s next

Belmont will look to complete the series sweep against Drake in the finale on Saturday, April 3 at 1 PM CT at E.S. Rose Park.

The takeaway

Belmont's dominant doubleheader performance against Drake showcases the team's well-rounded abilities, with elite pitching complementing a deep and productive offense. The Bruins' success early in the series puts them in a strong position to complete the sweep and continue their impressive season.