ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - A shot in the box in the 72nd minute (71:30) from New Mexico's Nicole Reed spoiled Drake's attempt at garnering its first victory of the women's soccer season as the Lobos posted a 1-0 decision over the Bulldogs in the opening game of the New Mexico Classic on Friday evening (Sept. 5).

New Mexico pushed its ledger to 2-1-1 overall with the victory, while Drake fell to 0-3 on the campaign.

“I'm proud of our team effort, competitive spirit and intensity tonight,” Drake head coach Lindsey Horner commented.  “The girls played for each other and the bench provided a spark.”

In the return to her hometown, junior goalkeeper Jenny Schroeder (Albuqueque, N.M./Sandia) had a stellar game in net pulling in eight saves for the Bulldogs.

“Jenny was phenomenal in her homecoming,” Horner said.  “Tonight we set a new standard for ourselves in terms of what level of intensity is acceptable.”

Drake needed every one of Schroeder's saves as New Mexico registered a 22-7 advantage in shots in the affair.

Leading a true team effort for the Bulldogs were juniors Crystal Townley (Colorado Springs, Colo./Palmer) and Karissa Brown (Encinitas, Calif./La Costa Canyon), who led Drake with two shots apiece, while Alexis Ball directed all players with six shots for the Lobos.

The Bulldogs progress as a team, especially against New Mexico, has made an impression on Horner.

“We're relying on a lot of players who were role players last year and now are the core of our team,” Horner commented.

Drake returns to the pitch on Sunday (Sept. 7) as the Bulldogs meet first-time opponent Hawai'i in their finale at the New Mexico Tournament beginning at 2:30 p.m.