SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Drake University women's soccer team fell to Loyola, 1-0, in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament semifinals on Friday night at Allison South Stadium in Springfield, Mo.
 
Sienna Cruz scored the game-winning goal for the Ramblers off a corner kick in the 16^th minute.

"We were really proud of our players' willingness to battle tonight," said Drake head coach Lindsey Horner. "I do think our gameplan set us up to be structured defensively, but the early goal rattled us. I was very pleased with our defensive efforts tonight, especially from Sam Nosler, Abby Stephenson, Audrey Vidmar, and Delaney Goertzen."
 
Kelsie Stone was exceptional in net for the Bulldogs as she recorded five saves while facing 13 shots. Stone's best save came in the 35^th minute when she quickly sprawled to the ground to collect a low shot bound for the left corner of the net.
 
In the 60^th minute, Stone used her anticipation abilities to proactively come off her line and haul in a dangerous pass by the Ramblers.
 
Stone made another remarkable save in the 84^th minute, reacting promptly and getting her hands up to stop a high shot from close range by Loyola.
 
The play drew the attention of Dave Dir, the former Major League Soccer coach who was providing color commentary on the ESPN broadcast.
 
"I don't think you can say enough about Kelsie Stone tonight," he said. "She's been on fire."
 
Dir stated multiple times on the broadcast that Stone's performance was keeping Drake in the game.
 
Stone bought the Bulldogs' offense time to search for an equalizer. The game started to open up for Drake after Vanessa Kavan recorded the team's first shot in the 22^nd minute.

"When we played the way we were facing and switched the point of attack I thought we were able to get out and pick up speed on the flank, but just lacked the quality to create a goal scoring opportunity," Horner said.
 
Shelley Lyjak sharply struck a bouncing shot that skipped toward goal, forcing a tricky save by Loyola's Grace Droessler in the 52^nd minute.
 
The Bulldogs nearly broke through on two occasions just past the midway point of the second half.
 
In the 75^th minute, Erika Townley cleverly weaved her way through Loyola's defense and tight-roped the touchline before centering the ball into the heart of the box, but Droessler did well to haul in the pass and end the dangerous opportunity.
 
Two minutes later, Hannah Bormann made a deep run into Loyola's defensive third, forcing a Rambler defender to take her down just outside the left edge of the 18-yard box. The Bulldogs sent the ensuing free kick to the far post but could not convert.

"In the second half we picked up some fouls outside the box that could have proven as our chance to equalize, but just couldn't get the delivery or timing right," Horner said. "Credit to Loyola as they're a good side."
 
Loyola was able to possess the ball for much of the game's home stretch, ending any chance of an equalizer by the Bulldogs.
 
Drake finishes its season 8-10-1 after winning five of its last seven games.

"Our seniors have given so much to our program, so it's always difficult to end the season earlier than we had hoped," Horner said. "But I know when they take their jerseys off tonight for the last time they can be proud of their contributions to our team. We have a lot of potential in our returners, and after some much needed rest and recovery, we look forward to growing that potential."