LAS VEGAS – UNLV scored three goals in the second half to defeat the Drake University women's soccer team, 3-0, Friday night in the first of two games for Drake at the UNLV Invitational in Las Vegas.
 
UNLV (1-0) broke open a scoreless contest with its first goal in the 50^th minute (50:02) as Katie Ballou beat Drake (0-1) goalkeeper Haley Morris (Clive, Iowa) from 30 yards out. Later, the Rebels added goals in the 65^th and 87^th minutes to claim the home match.
 
"We were sharp defensively to start the game and just couldn't sustain it for the ninety minutes," said head coach Lindsey Horner. "The first half was a great challenge, in that it was hot, UNLV had a great crowd and they're a good side but it was very much back and forth. We had a lot of the ball in the buildup and created some dangerous moments."
 
As a team, Drake finished with nine shots in the game, five in the first half and four in the second half. The Bulldogs were aggressive to start the contest with four shots in the first 20 minutes of action. Junior Alyssa Brand (Skokie, Ill.) recorded a team-high three shots, including one with just four minutes remaining that sailed high and the game's last shot that drilled the crossbar as time expired.
 
Drake closes it time in Las Vegas with a neutral match against Weber State on Sunday. First kick is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. CST.
 
"This is a loss that will test more than our ability to bounce back on Sunday," Smith said. "We have loads of potential, but are obviously still growing. This game could be a positive for us by sparking that growth and helping us in the long run as long as we know each of our mistakes tonight can be fixed."