LEXINGTON, Ky. - The University of Dayton softball team fell to No. 19 Kentucky, 1-0, and Drexel, 6-3, on the first day of play at the John Cropp Classic. Dayton will conclude its play in the seven-team, four-day event hosted by Kentucky tomorrow.

Dayton is now 8-9 on the season while Kentucky improved to 14-4 and Drexel is now 3-0 on the year.

No. 19 Kentucky 1, Dayton 0
In her fourth complete game of the season, junior Manda Cash held the 19th-ranked Wildcats to four hits and UK's single run was unearned. Cash recorded five strikeouts to two walks.
Winning Pitcher: Erin Rethlake (3-0)
Losing Pitcher: M. Cash (6-3)

Drexel 6, Dayton 3
Dayton got off to a quick start as senior Katie Ryan plated junior Kailee Budicin with a two-out single in the first but Drexel roared back with a five spot in the third. The Flyers got a run back in the bottom of the third on a RBI-single from sophomore Kyle Davidson to cut the Dragon advantage to 5-2. DU tacked on one in the fourth and UD rallied in the seventh, scoring one and had the tying run at the plate, but could not convert.
Winning Pitcher: Tara Konopka (2-0)
Losing Pitcher: M. Cash (6-4)

UP NEXT
Dayton continues play in the John Cropp Classic tomorrow with a 12 p.m. tilt against Evansville followed by a 2 p.m. contest against Kent State. Due to impending winter weather on Saturday, the tournament schedule was adjusted.