The Basics
The Drake women's soccer team is back on the pitch after nearly a week off and has its first conference match of the season when it heads to Valparaiso on Sunday afternoon. Kickoff against the Beacons from Brown Field is scheduled for 1 p.m.
 
Bulldogs by the Numbers
Drake concluded its non-conference schedule last weekend with a road match against Omaha that resulted in a 1-1 tie moving the Bulldogs' overall record to 5-3-1. Sunday marks Drake's third-straight match on the road and the Bulldogs will look to pick up their first road victory of the season.

Isabella Balsley scored the equalizer in Drake's last match at Omaha giving her three goals on the season, which is tied with freshman Alexa Aylward for the second most on the team. Meanwhile, Angela Gutierrez has been the top offensive threat for Drake and leads the team in goals (6), points (16), shots (27), and shots on goal (14). The Bulldogs split starting goalkeeper duties through the non-conference slate between Addie Ford and Kate Hopma. Ford leads the duo with 12 saves and has a record of 2-2 and one shutout. Hopma has eight saves, a record of 3-1-1, and two shutouts.

Drake Leaders
Angela Gutierrez – 16 PTS, 6 G, 4 A, 27 SH, 14 SOG
Isabella Balsley – 9 PTS, 3 G, 3 A, 18 SH, 10 SOG
Alexa Aylward – 6 PTS, 3 G, 8 SH, 4 SOG
Addie Ford – 2-2-0 W/L, 12 SV, 3 GA, .800 SV%, 1 SHO
Kate Hopma – 3-1-1 W/L, 8 SV, 2 GA, .800 SV%, 2 SHO
 
Scouting Valparaiso
The Beacons are 4-4-1 coming into league play and are riding a two-match win streak with wins over Oakland and Southern Indiana coming into the contest against Drake. Valpo has also played well from home with a 3-1 record from Brown Field so far this season. The Beacons had a pair of players earn weekly MVC awards this week with Kiara Desiderio named Player of the Week and Daisy Boardman named Defender of the Week.

The all-time series between the Bulldogs and Beacons sees the Drake hold the lead at 9-4-1. Drake has won the previous two meetings against Valpo including last years 5-1 rout from Des Moines. Drake is 3-1-1 all-time in road contests against the Beacons.
 
Valparaiso Leaders
Kiara Desiderio – 12 PTS, 5 G, 2 A, 36 SH, 14 SOG
Martha Goddard – 12 PTS, 6 G, 19 SH, 14 SOG
Brylie Walos – 6 PTS, 2 G, 2 A, 14 SH, 8 SOG
Salange Bell – 2-3 W/L, 29 SV, 7 GA, .806 SV%, 2 SHO
Adria Schultz – 2-1-1 W/L, 11 SV, 5 GA, .688 SV%

Up Next
The Bulldogs remain on the road for their next conference matchup at Evansville on Saturday, Sep. 26. Kickoff against the Purple Aces is scheduled for 1 p.m.