DES MOINES, IOWA ? The Drake women's soccer team wrapped up its preseason schedule with a 3-1 win past Minnesota State-Mankato, Wednesday night at the Cownie Soccer Complex.
Freshman Lauren Berner (Omaha, Neb.) took a cross from Crystal Townley (Colorado Springs, Colo.) in the sixth minute (5:36) putting the Bulldogs on the scoreboard, 1-0.
Gina Paletta evened the score for Minnesota State-Mankato in the 12th minute (11:47) on a goal inside the box.
Townley took a cross from junior Rachel Gielau (Denver, Iowa) after sophomore Bailey Dorrington (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) served the ball to Gielau. Townley one-timed the pass into the left side corner for the game-winner.
Freshman Danielle Figliola (Longmont, Colo.) scored Drake's final goal in the 41st minute (40:27) on an unassisted shot into the open net from the left wing.
The Bulldogs outshot the Mavericks 5-1 in the first half, but the shot total was even for the match at seven each.
“Defensively we were more organized, and I thought that started with our center-backs. It was good to get a win, even in an exhibition.,” said Drake head coach Lindsey Horner. “Hopefully it will get us on a roll for Saturday.”
Junior Jenny Schroeder (Albuqerque, N.M.) and freshman Kourtney Arnold (Norwalk, Iowa) split shifts in goal for Drake. Schroeder started the game, plaing the entire first half, while Arnold played the second half, recording all three saves for the Bulldogs.
Juniors Melissa Lewis (Edina, Minn.) and Elizabeth Woerle (Coon Rapids, Minn.) led the Bulldogs with two shots each.
“For the chances we had I thought our forwards converted on those chances,” said Horner. “It was good to get all the players time and some of the younger players played really well.”
Drake opens the regular season at 7 p.m. Saturday at Iowa.
