OCT. 17, 2008

DES MOINES, IOWA -- Junior Crystal Townley (Colorado Springs, Colo.) tied a school record with three goals to power the Drake women's soccer team to its fifth straight victory with a 3-0 non-conference decision past South Dakota Friday night at the Cownie Soccer Complex.

After the teams fought to a scoreless tie in the first half, Townley got Drake on the scoreboard in the 50th minute off a feed from junior midfielder Melissa Lewis (Edina, Minn.).

"We struggled with the timing of our final pass and the angle of our runs in the first half," said Drake coach Lindsey Horner. "Once we were able to play quicker without being frantic we were very dangerous and got in behind their defense numerous times."

The Bulldogs, in the midst of a six-game homestand, improved their record to 6-7-1.

"We are playing to our strengths," said Horner. "Our defense is very organized and tough to breakdown. Our midfield has committed themselves to being ball winners."

Junior goalkeeper Jenny Schroeder (Albuquerque, N.M.) recorded her fourth straight shutout for Drake.

"Our attacking players are finding ways to create chances," Horner added. "From front to back we are willing to defend, and the consecutive shutouts and wins are giving us confidence."

Drake had a season-high 28 shots, including eight by Townley. The Bulldogs outshot South Dakota, 17-3, in the second half.

Townley scored her second goal at 58:45 from 10 yards out following a header pass from junior forward Elizabeth Woerle (Coon Rapids, Minn.)

"I think my teammates made it easy for me tonight," said Townley, who put her name in the Drake record books on her third goal at the 85:49 mark on a cross feed pass from freshman Lauren Wiltshire (Littleton, Colo.) to beat the South Dakota goal keeper.

"I feel like being at home helps us a lot," said Townley, who had six shots on goal which tied the school single-game mark. "We definitely have a lot more confidence. I think we are working as a team for each other."

Woerle had five shots, while freshman Danielle Figliola (Longmount, Colo.) had four shots.

The Bulldogs will entertain North Dakota in a 1 p.m. match Sunday at Drake Stadium.

South Dakota fell to 5-9.