The Drake women's soccer team opens its home season this week at Drake Stadium as the Bulldogs host Illinois State Wednesday, March 10 and SIU Sunday, March 14. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. Wednesday and 1 p.m. Sunday. Both matches will be broadcast on ESPN+/ESPN3. 

Sunday's game will also serve as the Bulldogs 'Senior Day' with the program honoring its seniors. 

The Bulldogs are coming off a two-game road trip and an 0-2 loss at Loyola. Junior Libby Helverson led the Bulldogs with two shots on goal and senior keeper Kelsie Stone saved four shots on goal from the Ramblers.  

The Redbirds are on a two-game winning streak after taking on Missouri State at home on March 5. Redshirt senior Abby Basler scored two goals and sophomore Allison Baker scored one, allowing the Redbirds to win 3-0 in the match.  

In the series history, Drake leads Illinois State with a 3-2-0 record over the past five seasons. The Bulldogs have a 1-1 record while playing the Redbirds in Des Moines over the past five seasons.  

Sunday's match will be the first-ever between Drake and SIU as the Salukis are in their first year of competition as a program. The Salukis are 0-2-1 in their first season and have earned a draw against Valparaiso. 

Following this week's matches, the Bulldogs return to the road to face Valparaiso March 19.