DES MOINES, IOWA - Drake
failed to capitalize on its scoring opportunities and in the end this ultimately spelled
the end of the Bulldogs' season as Evansville registered a 1-0 State Farm
Missouri Valley Conference Tournament victory on Sunday (Oct. 31) at Drake
Stadium.
It may have been Halloween but the day was anything but a treat for Drake as the Purple
Aces' Breanna Beine collected her team-leading seventh goal of the season at
the 48:44 mark to score what proved to be the game-winning tally in
fifth-seeded Evansville's upset of the fourth-seeded Bulldogs.
The loss brought to a close Drake's campaign at 10-6-3 overall, while
the Purple Aces advance to face top-seeded Creighton in the MVC Tournament
semifinals on Friday (Nov. 5) at 6:00 p.m. with a 6-11-1 ledger.
"Evansville converted on its best chance, while we created numerous
opportunities that made for a very entertaining second half, but left us
wondering 'if only'," Bulldog head coach Lindsey Horner commented. "Katie Anderson and Bailey Dorrington played their hearts out, and can
end their career knowing they helped to lead a very young team through a
season filled with challenges, injuries, laughs, tears, and memorable
moments, and we are grateful for their contribution to our program."
The two sides battled through a scoreless first half where Drake held a
5-4 advantage in shots.
In the final 45 minutes, the Bulldogs held serve maintaining the ball in
Evansville's half of the pitch for the majority of play as Drake owned a 12-2
advantage in shots.
The Bulldogs missed on several advantageous opportunities, none better
than a diving shot by sophomore Tara Zika (St. Louis, Mo./Ursuline) in the 72nd minute (71:14).
Drake finished the tournament game with a 17-6 margin in shots, with
Zika and freshmen Megan Fisher (Ankeny,
Iowa/Ankeny) and Generve Charles
(Wausau, Wis./Wausau East) each garnering a game-high three shots. Beine and Kaitlin Robinett paced
Evansville with two shots apiece.
Chaviel Harrison pulled in eight saves en route to posting the shutout
for the Purple Aces, while freshman Kalena Litch (Plymouth, Minn./Wayzata) made two stops for the Bulldogs.
"I am proud of our girls and all they accomplished this season," said Horner. "From
the first day of preseason we refused to let this season serve as a
rebuilding year after graduating seven starters, and while today's
result stings, our players should hold their heads high."
