WATERLOO, IOWA - The implications were clear entering its in-state women's soccer showdown with Northern Iowa on Thursday (Oct. 28), garner a result, whether it be win or tie, or the Drake's season faced an unceremonious end; and the Bulldogs responded with a 2-0 victory.

The win enabled Drake to qualify as the No. 4 seed for the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament that begins on Sunday (Oct. 31) with the Bulldogs hosting fifth-seeded Evansville at 1:00 p.m. in Drake Stadium.

Drake improved its ledger to 10-5-3 overall and 3-3 in the MVC with the triumph, while the Panthers' campaign ended at 4-12-2 and 1-5 in league action.

"Coming off of such a long break (11 days between games), we knew the first 15 minutes would be vital," Bulldog head coach Lindsey Horner commented.  "We weren't flat, but we gave the ball away unnecessarily. We calmed down, started connecting passes, and were able to control the tempo to finish the first half. In the second half, UNI started throwing numbers forward, and did a great job of putting us under pressure.  Anytime a team pulls backs and adds forwards, someone is going to score."

Freshman Paige Dusek (St. Charles, Ill./St. Charles North) placed Drake on the scoreboard first netting her team-leading fifth goal of the season at the 25:22 mark providing the Bulldogs a 1-0 advantage, one they didn't relinquish.

The goal held up heading into halftime, as Drake owned a 1-0 lead on the strength of an 8-4 advantage in shots.  Sophomore Laura Moklestad (Des Moines, Iowa/Roosevelt) paced the Bulldogs with a three-shot performance in the first 45 minutes.

Moklestad matched Dusek for the team lead in goals registering her fifth tally in the 89th minute (88:25) on a breakaway to provide the final 2-0 margin.

Moklestad finished the affair recording a team-best six shots, while freshman Generve Charles (Wausau, Wis./Wausau East) added three shots.  A three-shot performance from Kiki McClellan paced Northern Iowa.

Freshman Kalena Litch (Plymouth, Minn./Wayzata) pulled in three saves for the Bulldogs en route to posting her ninth shutout of the season.  The nine shutouts by Drake this season matches the school record set during the 2003, 2004 and 2005 campaigns.  Erin Zaideman recorded fours saves for the Panthers.

"We were disciplined defensively and did a very good job of keeping UNI in front of us," said Horner.  "I am proud of how we responded to a must-win situation and we're looking forward to playing in front of a home crowd on Sunday."