Box Score INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana State Sycamores faced off with the Butler Bulldogs today (Sept. 17) in Indianapolis, Ind. The Sycamores fell to the Bulldogs 1-0.

Right from the blow of the first whistle Indiana State struggled to gain control of the match. The Bulldogs came down the field aggressively and often, but could not generate any threatening scoring chances early on.

The Sycamores continued to hold the Bulldogs and began to create some offensive attack of their own. Caitlyn Eddy, Sydney Hamker and Danielle Varner garnered some control for Indiana State in the central midfield and began sending balls forward. Varner took a shot in the 17^th minute, but was blocked by the Butler defense.

Katie Wells and Alina Steffen found themselves getting involved when Wells slotted a ball across the front of the Bulldogs net, but Steffen found herself locked into a physical battle with a Butler defender and could not get a foot on the ball.

Indiana State remained strong defensively with Reilly Teal stopping any breakaways down the left flank. Katie Sullivan and Kasey Wallace kept the center solid and under control. The Sycamores did a good job of running through tackles and came out with the ball on most.

The score remained tied at 0-0 going into halftime.

Indiana State and Butler started the second half of play fairly even. Both teams were generating attack forward and showing a strong defensive presence.

The Sycamores had a promising attempt in the 61^st minute when Eddy was fouled just outside of the 18 yard box. Wells stepped up to take the free kick attempt and rocketed a shot, but missed just high.

In the 71^st minute Butler shifted the momentum in their favor. The Bulldogs tore off down the right flank and crossed a ball to the back post where Breann Pempek headed it in for a goal. ISU trailed 1-0.

The Sycamores continued to compete hard, but could not find the back of the net.

"You don't always get the result you deserve, but I couldn't be happier with the way our kids competed against a very strong and organized Butler team. Up until today, I don't think we battled for a full 90 minutes on the second game of the weekend. I'm excited at the progress we made and our players know that this is the expectation as we head into conference season," said head coach Julie Hanley.

Indiana State took four shots during play and goalkeeper Brianna Riscossa made five saves.

ISU is back in action on Sept. 24 traveling to Chicago, Ill. to face off with Chicago State at 2 p.m.

For the latest information on the Sycamore Soccer team, make sure to check out GoSycamores.com. You can also find the team on social media including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.