“Tonight was a classic example of leaving the door wide open by not finishing our chances,” Bulldog head coach Lindsey Horner commented. “Western Illinois has a good goalkeeper, but we didn't test her enough. We have to take pressure off of our backs by converting.”

Drake posted a 24-17 advantage in shots on the evening, but the Bulldogs were unable to get their attempts on frame, being outshot on goal, 11-5.  Four of Drake's five shots on goal came in the first half.

Junior Ashlie Stokes (Sioux City, Iowa/Sioux City North) led the Bulldogs with a game-high six-shot performance, while contributing five, four and four shots, respectively, were senior Paige Dusek (St. Charles, Ill./St. Charles North), sophomore Rhian Pritchard (Overland Park, Kan./Blue Valley North) and freshman Rebecca Rodgers (Peotone, Ill./Peotone).  Sarah Hall recorded six shots to pace the Leathernecks' attack.

For the second game in a row, junior goalkeeper Andrea Swanson (Clive, Iowa/Valley) recorded a career-best 10 saves for Drake.  Laura Atkinson collected five saves for Western Illinois.

“At this point, our non-conference results aren't going to hold us back,” said Horner. “We have used the opportunities to improve and grow, and now we have to make a run in MVC play.”

That road for Drake begins on Sunday (Oct. 13) when the Bulldogs host in-state rival Northern Iowa at the Cownie Soccer Complex.  Game time is slated for 6:00 p.m.

Drake will honor its six seniors; Megan Fisher (Ankeny, Iowa/Ankeny), Ann Hoover (Nevada, Iowa/Nevada), Kalena Litch (Plymouth, Minn./Wayzata), Charlie Maxwell (Noblesville, Ind./Noblesville) and Brittany Schuling (Bondurant, Iowa/Bondurant-Farrar) in special pre-game ceremonies.