DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake University women's soccer team is set to start Missouri Valley Conference play on Saturday evening when league newcomer Valparaiso visits the Cownie Soccer Complex. First kick with the Crusaders is set for 7 p.m.
 
Drake is 7-3-1 overall and improved its record in overtime contests to 3-0-1 this season after its double-overtime road win at Western Illinois on Sept 24. The Bulldogs have won four-straight matches and are 6-1-1 in their past eight game contests with the lone loss during that span to No. 9 Wisconsin. The Western Illinois match was the final non-conference match for Drake. The Bulldogs, who were picked to finish second in the preseason MVC Coaches' poll, will play seven consecutive matches against MVC opponents.
 
Redshirt senior midfielder Rebecca Rodgers (Peotone, Ill.) made history in the victory over the Leathernecks with her pair of goals as she became the program's all-time leader in goals scored with 33. She moved past Andrea Schmitz (2002-05) who held the previous top program mark with 32 in her outstanding career. Rodgers, who played in just five matches in 2016 due to an injury, is now seventh all-time in the Valley. On Monday, she was recognized for her great play by the MVC with her sixth career MVC Player of the Week award. Rodgers, the 2015 MVC Player of the Year, is having an outstanding final season with a team-leading six goals and 12 points. Both marks are tied for second in the league. She has scored five goals in the past five matches.
 
Valparaiso is 6-5 overall in its first season as an MVC member. The Crusaders already have their first Valley win after their 1-0 win at Missouri State on Sept. 23. Valparaiso will host Chicago State on Thursday before making the trip to Des Moines. Drake and Valpo have played each other three times (Drake, 2-0-1) with the last meeting a 2-2 draw during the 2004 season.
 
Following Saturday's game, Drake will stay at home as Indiana State visits Cownie on Oct. 6. First kick with the Sycamores is set for 7 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on The Valley on ESPN3.