WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

The women’s basketball team won its second and final exhibition matchup, defeating Quincy 69-47 Friday night at the Knapp Center.

The Bulldogs were led by senior guard Jordann Plummer, who tallied 17 points to go along with five steals. The team’s defense dominated the game, as the team finished the game with 13 thefts. The Bulldogs’ pressure defense held Quincy to 28.1 percent shooting in the game.

Bad shooting was contagious to both teams, as Drake managed a mere 38.7 percent field goal percentage. Monique’ Jones and Amber Wollschlager contributed nine points apiece for the Bulldogs.

Drake will open its regular season play by traveling to the University of Missouri-Kansas City Nov. 13.

WOMEN’S SOCCER

The Bulldogs’ season came to a close Friday as they lost a 1-0 decision to the Redbirds of Illinois State in the Missouri Valley Conference tournament semifinals.

Jessica Carlson scored the game-winning goal in the 60th minute by redirecting a loose ball that rebounded from a save by sophomore goalkeeper Kourtney Arnold.

The Bulldogs were forced to play most of the game without all-MVC honorable mention selection junior Bailey Dorrington, who left the game with an injury in the 25th minute of the game.

The Bulldogs dominated the all-MVC selections, as seven Drake players were named to all-MVC rosters. Senior Liz Woerle was the lone first-team selection for Drake, while senior forward Crystal Townley and senior midfielder Blair Nelson were named to the second team. Senior forward Melissa Lewis, junior defender Bailey Dorrington and senior defender Rachel Gielau all earned honorable mention honors. Freshman forward Laura Moklestad was named to the all-freshman team.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

The Bulldogs opened their season with a 74-58 victory over Upper Iowa Saturday night at the Knapp Center.

The guards led the team, as senior guard Josh Young finished with 18 points and junior guard Ryan Wedel, a transfer from Arkansas State, chipped in 11 points for the Bulldogs.

The game was important for many of the Bulldogs to adjust to playing basketball for Drake, as the roster features 10 new players. The team had two or more freshmen on the court throughout the entire game. Freshman forward Ben Simons led the Drake freshmen with nine points, five rebounds and three steals, while freshman center Seth VanDeest tallied eight points and freshman forward Aaron Hawley added seven points.

The Bulldogs capitalized on Upper Iowa’s mistakes throughout the game, as they forced 31 turnovers out of the Peacocks that led to 32 points for Drake. The team collected 17 steals, led by four from senior forward Adam Templeton.

The Bulldogs pulled away during a 15-0 run early in the second half that included two consecutive 3-pointers from Wedel.

Drake returns to action in its regular season opener on Nov. 14 at the Knapp Center.

VOLLEYBALL

Drake was not able to complete a season sweep of MVC rival Creighton as the Bulldogs fell to the Bluejays in three sets Saturday at the Knapp Center.

The Bulldogs started strong, gaining advantages in the first two sets, but were unable to finish off the Bluejays in either set – in part due to Drake’s .072 hitting percentage compared to Creighton’s .220.

Senior setter Chelsea Lauersdorf led Drake with 18 assists and 11 digs while freshman Emily Heffernen added 11 kills and four blocks for Drake.

Drake returns to action as the team plays at South Dakota 6 p.m. tonight.