DES MOINES, Iowa – Drake women's soccer saw its lead slip away in the second half this afternoon in a 3-2 defeat at South Dakota. The Bulldogs jumped out in front shortly after the halftime break but could not maintain their advantage as the Coyotes fought back for the victory.
 
USD (2-1-1) grabbed the first lead in the 24th minute on a strike from Mady Za. The hosts owned the scoreboard until just prior to halftime when freshman Isabella Balsley scored her second career goal after a Kendall Starcevich assist. The equalizer evened things up 1-1 at the break.
 
Seven minutes into the second half, Angela Gutierrez came through for the Bulldogs (0-3-2). The sophomore star was assisted by Layla Kelbel (53') for her second goal of the season to catapult the Bulldogs in front.
 
Drake's defense solidified against the Coyote attack, but South Dakota was able to break down the Bulldogs later in the second half. Izzy Quintavalle was assisted by Brooklyn Bordson in the 75th minute before Ashby Johnston, one of the Coyotes' leading scorers, drilled a penalty kick (85'). The 3-2 held over the final 10 minutes as South Dakota earned the victory.
 
"The challenge remains putting a 90-minute performance together," Drake head coach Lindsey Horner said. "We did a great job getting back into the game and getting the lead. We had chances to put the game away and get out with the win, couldn't convert. Our ability to deal with pressure, whether that's the pressure of carrying the game, dealing with a team that is pressing us or recovering from a mistake has to become more consistent.  We have the potential to put it together and get results but we have to continue to grow from these experiences."
 
South Dakota won a narrow shots battle, 13-11, and had seven strikes on goal to Drake's four.
 
Two Bulldog keepers saw action as Addie Ford started and logged three saves. Kate Hopma was in net for the final 20 minutes.
 
The Bulldogs will be back in action on Sunday evening with a 6 p.m. contest at Omaha.