LAS VEGAS – Sophomore Annie Schmitz (St. Louis, Mo.) scored the game winning goal in the 95^th minute as the Drake University women's soccer team defeated Weber State, 1-0, Sunday afternoon in Drake's final game at the UNLV Invitational.
 
It was the first career goal for Schmitz, who helped Drake (1-1) earn its first win of 2017 after dropping the opener to host UNLV on Friday night. Her goal came from 15 yards out from the left corner as she beat Weber State (0-2) goalkeeper Nikki Pittman. Junior Alyssa Brand (Skokie, Ill.) assisted on the goal.
 
"We proved to be adaptable in the attack and resilient defensively today," said head coach Lindsey Horner. "Weber State was disciplined with their line of confrontation and were compact behind the ball, which we hadn't seen yet this year. Our players solved this in the second half and did a much better job of being multidimensional in breaking down their backs. A lot of players gave us quality minutes regardless of the quantity, that allowed us to keep a high level of energy in this heat."
 
Drake freshman goalkeeper Kelsie Stone (Hoffman Estates, Ill.) made her first career start and tallied three saves. Seniors Brooke Salisbury (Kearney, Mo.) and Ali Smith (Overland Park, Kan.) anchored the Bulldogs' defensively as they each played the entire match and helped limit Weber State to three shots on goal.
 
"We are thrilled with the shutout, and gained a lot of experience from these two games," Horner said. "Our schedule doesn't get any easier as we prepare for a BIG EAST opponent on the road, but we are looking forward to recovering from this trip and improving ourselves prior to Friday."

Seniors Rebecca Rodgers (Peotone, Ill.), Ali Smith (Lenexa, Kan.) and junior Alyssa Brand (Skokie, Ill.) were each named to the UNLV Invitational All-Tournament team.
 
Drake travels to Milwaukee, Wis. Aug. 25 to play at Marquette. First kick is set for 7:30 p.m.