MACOMB, Ill. - The Drake women's soccer team saw its nine-game unbeaten streak snapped on Wednesday (Oct. 3) as Western Illinois (10-2) registered a 1-0 victory over the Bulldogs (10-3-1).

"We had a good streak going," Bulldog head coach Lindsey Horner commented.  "Sometimes when we aren't punished for mistakes or get a result even when we don't play all that well for 90 minutes, the opportunity for growth and reflection is less, not because we don't address it, but simply because the emotion isn't quite the same."

"Today has to serve as an eye-opener when it comes to playing on the road.  We didn't perform near our potential in the first half and that's always going to prove costly away from home, especially this late in the season."

Scoring what proved to be the game-winning goal at the 43:53 mark for the Leathernecks was Sarah Hall off an assist from Miranda Graham.

The Bulldogs had opportunities to net the equalizer in the second half owning a 9-5 advantage in shots, but Drake was unable to capitalize.

Led by a game-high three shots from Kellie Julius, the Leathernecks won the shot count in the contest, 18-16.  Sophomore Ashlie Stokes (Sioux City, Iowa/Sioux City North) paced the Bulldogs with three shots.

Laura Atkinson pulled in a game-high eight saves for Western Illinois, while junior Kalena Litch (Plymouth, Minn./Wayzata) recorded six stops for Drake.

Drake returns to action on Sunday (Oct. 7) with a 1:00 p.m. matinee affair versus Evansville at the Cownie Soccer Complex.  The showdown represents Senior Day for seniors Laura Moklestad (Des Moines, Iowa/Roosevelt), Kelsey Pigg (Waukee, Iowa/Waukee), Lauren Strickfaden (Wichita, Kan./Independent), Kasey Wellman (Northfield, Minn./Northfield) and Tara Zika (St. Louis, Mo./Ursuline Academy).  The group will be recognized in special pre-game ceremonies.

"I know we are capable of responding and returning to MVC play a better team," said Horner.  "Sunday is a big game that will be crucial for league standings.  I have no doubt that our players will be ready to get back on track and take the field an improved group hungry for conference points."