DES MOINES, Iowa – The Creighton Bluejays rallied to beat the Drake women's soccer team, 3-2, Tuesday evening at a wet Cownie Soccer Complex. The game's start time was delayed one hour and ten minutes due to heavy rain and lightning in the area.

“There were so many positives to take from the way we performed tonight,” said Drake head coach Lindsey Horner. “It's part amazing that we played so well and didn't earn a result and part frustrating that our players don't have something to show for their performance.”

Creighton (7-3) struck first on a header goal by Kaira Houser off a corner kick by Emma Richgels at the 24:08 mark in the opening half.

Drake (3-7) answered at the 34:51 mark as junior Kayla Armstrong (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) tallied her third goal of the year off an assist from senior Kylie DeHaven (Olathe, Kan.).

The teams battled the rest of the first half to a 1-1 draw at halftime. The action started quickly in the second half as Drake freshman Alyssa Brand (Skokie, Ill.) scored her team-leading fifth goal off an assist from junior Rebecca Rodgers (Peotone, Ill.) to give the Bulldogs a 2-1 lead at the 49:32 mark.

However, the lead didn't last long as Creighton quickly moved the ball downfield on the kickoff as Lauren Sullivan scored at the 50:33 mark. The Bluejays added another goal courtesy of Emily Roll at the 69:03 mark to take the lead, 3-2.

Drake battled though after falling behind as the Bulldogs had many near misses, including several by Rodgers and Brand. Sophomore Hannah Wilder (Whitefield, Ind.) nearly had a goal as Creighton goalie Erin Scott made a diving save and smother on a ball that was just inches from crossing the goal line.

“We had some individuals step up and shine in their role,” Horner said. “Emma (Winstead) was super in the back, Sarah Grace (Nicholson) and Alyssa made quite the impact in midfield and Becca was again a handful up top.”

Drake opens Missouri Valley Conference play at the defending regular season and tournament champions, Illinois State on Sept. 26 at 7 p.m.

 “Anytime you have a challenging non-conference schedule you risk not having enough W's in the win column to feel good about as you head into league play,” Horner said. “I trust that our players have experienced a lot of adversity in the last ten games, been tested and gained the experience, both from setbacks and successes, to be prepared to earn results in MVC play. A whole new season starts Saturday and we will see two teams looking to get off on the right foot.”