In its third one-goal decision of the season, Drake recorded a 12-10 advantage in shots, including 7-5 in the second half.
"We got off to a poor start and were reacting too much in the first half, and they made good on their best chance," Bulldog head coach Lindsey Horner commented. "We took the game to them in the second half and created several great opportunities for the equalizer, but couldn't find the back of the net. SIUE was clean and played well, but we have to realize on the road that we have to compete for all 90 minutes."
Sophomore Ashlie Stokes (Sioux City, Iowa/Sioux City North) provided Drake with its best scoring opportunities in the final stanza registering the Bulldogs' lone shots on goal in the final 45 minutes at the 45:28 and 59:24 marks, respectively. She also had a shot blocked in the 60th minute (59:30).
Stokes paced all players with a game-high six shots, while senior Kelsey Pigg (Waukee, Iowa/Waukee) added two. The Cougars were directed by a three-shot effort from Auer.
Junior Kalena Litch (Plymouth, Minn./Wayzata) recorded five saves for Drake, while Jennifer Pelley pulled in three stops for SIU Edwardsville.
The Bulldogs return to action on Sunday (Aug. 26) facing Southeast Missouri State in a 6:30 p.m. road tilt.
