PEKIN, Ill. ? ­Sophomore Ashley Birdsong extended her streak of scoreless innings to 17 and two-third innings on the season, tossing her second complete game shutout of the season as she helped the Bradley softball team post a 4-0 victory against Drake Sunday afternoon and claim the tournament title at the 2007 Schutt Invitational.

Birdsong surrendered just one hit and struck out 10 in the complete game victory as she improved to 3-0 on the year with the win.  Bradley finished the season opening tournament play with a 3-1 record finishing ahead of both Drake (2-2), Western Illinois (2-2) and Wisconsin-Green Bay (1-3).

The Braves plated three runs in the top of the first inning to provide all the scoring Birdsong and Bradley would need in the game.  Sophomore Miriam Wegman got things started with a one-out double and came around to score on a single by Elizabeth Wilson.  Jessie Musgrove drew a walk and Trish Kowalewski was hit by a pitch to load the bases.  Sophomore Alycia Bachkora ripped a single through the left side of the infield to score Wilson from third and freshman Lauren Meister was hit by a pitch to drive Musgrove home and five the Braves a 3-0 lead. 

Bradley left the bases loaded in the inning as Drake hurler Cassie Heller got Stephanie Ramsey to hit into a fielder's choice and struck out Anne Creighton to end the inning.

Drake (3-4 overall) had just two players reach base and failed to advance either runner past second base.  Birdsong gave up a one-out walk in the second and surrendered a leadoff single in the third inning, before retiring 15 consecutive batters to end the game, striking out nine of the final 15 hitters she faced.

The Braves added an insurance run in the bottom of the fourth to take a 4-0 lead.  Meister drew a leadoff walk and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt.  She eventually scored on a Drake fielding error.

Bradley's 3-1 start to the season gives the Braves back-to-back seasons with 3-1 starts or better for the first time since 1994 and 1995.

Heller suffered the loss for the Bulldogs, falling to 3-3 on the year.  She gave up four hits, four runs (three earned), while striking out four and also walking four in the loss.

Bradley returns to action next weekend when the Braves host the Schutt Showcase Saturday and Sunday at the Dragon's Dome.  Tournament play begins Saturday with Northern Iowa facing Saint Louis at 10 a.m.  Bradley will face UNI at noon and will also play IUPUI at 2 p.m. during first-day action.