Upset Bid By Women's Soccer Team Falls Short

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Kelli-Anne Chang's goal from the top of the box in the second overtime lifted Hawai'i to a 4-3 victory past the Drake women's soccer team in the New Mexico Classic Sunday.

The Bulldogs appeared on the verge of earning their first victory of the season, owning a 3-2 lead before a goal by Chelsea Deptula on a free kick in the 83rd minute allowed Hawai'i to tie the score.

After being shut out in their first three matches of the season, the Bulldogs enjoyed a 3-2 lead after the first period and appeared on the verge of pulling an upset against a Hawai'i team which played in the 2007 NCAA Tournament and was picked to defend its league title in the Western Athletic Conference.

"Hawaii was really creative, fast and dynamic in the attack," said Drake coach Lindsey Horner. "When we were fresh, we were disciplined defensively but as we grew tired we started to dive in and make mistakes."

Drake took advantage of a Hawai'i miscue to grab a 1-0 lead in the sixth minute of the match. Drake shot the ball towards the net and it bounced off a Hawai'i defender into the net for a goal.. Drake freshman Danielle Figliola (Longmount Colo.) was the lone Bulldog in the area among three Hawaii defenders.

"Danielle Figliola forced that first goal by really working hard," Horner added. "She put their backs under pressure and created that mistake."

Drake increased its advantage to 2-1 on a goal by junior Elizabeth Woerle (Coon Rapids, Minn.) coming on a free kick at the 30:07 mark.

A goal by junior Crystal Townley (Colorado Springs, Colo.), off a feed from freshman Lauren Wiltshire (Littleton, Colo.) at the 42:44 mark gave Drake a 3-2 edge.

Hawai'i outshot Drake, 22-9. Woerle and junior Blair Nelson (Southlake, Texas) led Drake with three shots apiece.

"It was nice to be able to convert chances and find the back of the net," Horner said. "This was a great trip for us even though we didn't get the results we wanted. In two short weeks we have really improved."

Drake will resume action playing at Nebraska this Friday (Sept. 13).