DES MOINES, Iowa -- Drake women's soccer's defensive stronghold paired with timely goals led to a 2-0 shutout victory over North Dakota State at Drake Stadium on Sunday, Aug. 27. 

During the sixth minute, Emma Nagel was fouled near the top of the box to set up a penalty kick attempt. Nagel buried it into the bottom of the left corner of the net to hand Drake (3-1-0) an early 1-0 advantage. 

Only three minutes later, Jess Hanley of the Bison headed the ball, but the Drake defensive wall deflected it away. With Addie Ford in net for the first half, the Bulldogs controlled a 1-0 lead at the halftime break. 

NDSU (1-2-1) only mustered one shot in the second half and it occurred in 48th minute on a blocked attempt by Paige Goaley. 

"We had a great start," head coach Lindsey Horner said. "We pressed every long ball then won first and second balls. The early goal increased the intensity and physicality of the game to the point you could tell there was likely going to be another goal in the game."

The Bulldogs earned a corner kick that led to a fantastic service by Madelyn Smith into the six-yard box in the 53rd minute. Layla Kelbel was there near the left side with her left foot to kick the ball into the back of the net for the 2-0 edge. 

"We were really pleased to score from a corner kick as we have some weapons in the box and fantastic service," Horner said.

Kelbel almost had a two goal day, but her strong shot in the 74th minute was collected near the right corner of the net by Bison keeper Abby Wilkinson. 

Drake outshot North Dakota State, 8-5 including 5-2 when it came to shots on goal. Kelti Wise played the entire second half in goal as her and Ford teamed up another shutout. 

"This was a good week for our growth," Horner said. "Tactical challenges like Thursday and the physical battle today forces us to keep improving and it's been great seeing the variety of players getting in the scoring column and stat sheet."

NOTES
- Drake women's soccer recorded its third shutout win of the season.
- The last time Drake had three shutout victories through the first four games of the season was in 2016. 
- Addie Ford earned her second start of the season and recorded her first collegiate save this afternoon.
- Emma Nagel's goal was her first of the season and 10th of her career.
- Layla Kelbel's goal was her first of the season and third of her career.
- Madelyn Smith provided her fifth assist as a Drake Bulldog.
- Drake women's soccer has had eight different players log an assist so far this season.
- Seven different Drake players have scored so far this season.
- The Bulldogs improved their series record against NDSU to 10-3-1.