DES MOINES, IOWA - The Drake women's soccer team gained another lesson in its continued development on Sunday (Oct. 3) as Illinois State, the defending Missouri Valley Conference champions, capitalized on its opportunities en route to posting a 2-0 decision over the Bulldogs at the Cownie Soccer Complex.

Playing in their first game in two weeks, the Redbirds improved their ledger to 5-5, including 1-0 in the MVC, while snapping Drake's five-match unbeaten streak to drop the Bulldogs' record to 7-3-3 overall and 1-1 in league play.

"In a game which was nearly statistically even, we didn't capitalize on our scoring opportunities and if we hope to defeat a team like Illinois State we need to be able to convert on our scoring chances," Drake head coach Lindsey Horner commented. 

The Bulldogs outshot the Redbirds in the initial stanza, 6-3, but it was a goal by Jessica Carlson at the 37:41 mark that gave Illinois State a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Alyssa Schulz extended the margin to 2-0 for the Redbirds on the strength of her second goal of the season in the 51st minute (50:00).

Drake was not without scoring opportunities in the affair, but the Bulldogs were unable to find the back of the net on those chances.

The Redbirds outshot the Bulldogs in the final 45 minutes, 7-4, to finish the affair with both sides recording 10 shots.

Junior Danielle Figliola (Longmont, Colo./Silver Creek) paced Drake with a game-high four shots, while Kyla Cross led Illinois State with two.

Freshman Kalena Litch (Plymouth, Minn./Wayzata) recorded five saves for the Bulldogs, while Mara Kremenovic pulled in four stops en route to collecting the shutout.

Drake returns to action on Friday (Oct. 8) with a 6:00 p.m. showdown at Indiana State.