BOULDER, Colo. – The Drake University women's soccer team lost its season opener, 2-0, to the Colorado Buffaloes on Thursday, Aug. 22 in Boulder.
 
The Buffaloes broke through with back-to-back goals early in the second half. Taylor Kornieck connected on a header off a long free kick from Stephanie Zuniga in the 50^th minute before Zuniga scored off an assist by Kornieck in the 51^st minute.
 
"I was really pleased with our effort and organization tonight," Drake head coach Lindsey Horner said. "We definitely gained fitness from this game, grew a greater understanding of how to build, and did a good job with being organized from back to front."
 
The Bulldogs' defense bent but didn't break in the first half, warding off nine shots by the Buffaloes without allowing a goal. Junior goalkeeper Kelsie Stone made a highlight-reel save in the 13^th minute on a free kick from just outside the penalty box by Kornieck. Stone dove low to her right and absorbed the shot.
 
True freshmen Rachel Panther, Erika Townley, Meghan Brown, Delaney Goertzen, and Audrey Vidmar made their official debuts in a Bulldog uniform.
 
Drake wraps up its Colorado road trip with a match at Denver University on Sunday, Aug. 25 at 1 p.m. CST.