DES MOINES, IOWA. ? The last time the Indiana State women's soccer team did not advance to Missouri Valley Conference post-season action was four years ago. However, after squaring off against Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa Thursday night, the Sycamores found themselves on the losing end of a 7-1 final score and can no longer qualify for the MVC tournament.
The Sycamores knew that a loss this weekend would eliminate them from post-season play. With this in mind, the team came out strong and put the first goal on the scoreboard at the 11:43 mark when Lauren Podolski found Sarah Whiteley to take the initial lead. It was Whiteley's team-leading sixth goal of the year.
The Drake Bulldogs answered in the 20th minute when Cindi Brenner beat Indiana State goalkeeper Rachel Rudzis outside the box and dribbled around her to place the ball in the back of the net and tie the score at 1-1 going into halftime.
The second half was a different story. The Bulldogs came out hungry in the second stanza, putting away six goals by five different players. Crystal Townley, Abi Dodds, Sarah Foote, and Elizabeth Woerle each tallied a goal for Drake and Nikki Thaden put two past backup keeper Erin Gibson who came in at the 68:39 mark. The Bulldogs' seven goals set a new single-game scoring record.
Drake improves their record to 3-2-0 in Missouri Valley Conference action while the Sycamores drop to 0-5 in conference play.
To conclude the 2007 season, the Sycamores return to action on Sunday hosting the Bears of Missouri State at 1:00 p.m. at the ISU Soccer Complex. The Bears swept the Missouri Valley Conference offensive and defensive player of the week awards announced by the league on Monday. They will host Illinois State on Friday.
Sunday will be the final career game for five Sycamore soccer players. Shae Fehribach , Meaghan Gaffney, Rachel Rudzis, Sarah Whiteley, and Lauren Podolski will be honored before the match for their dedication and commitment to the Indiana State soccer program for the last four years.
