DES MOINES, Iowa — Drake women’s soccer advanced to the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) championship match with a 1–0 win over Murray State on Thursday night. Trelyn White scored late in the first half to send the top-seeded Bulldogs past the No. 5 seed Racers at Mediacom Stadium.

Trelyn White delivers the winning goal

With both defenses holding firm, Drake’s substitutes supplied the breakthrough. White scored at the 43:35 mark, less than nine minutes after entering the match.

Senior Angela Gutierrez sent a corner kick into the box, and fellow substitute Kylie Binger headed the ball across the goalmouth. White controlled it off one bounce and finished past Murray State goalkeeper Isa De Santos Gomez for a 1–0 halftime lead.

Earlier, Claire Emmerich hit the left post as Drake created chances in the opening half. At the other end, goalkeeper Addie Ford helped keep Murray State off the scoreboard.

Bulldogs protect the second-half lead

After halftime, head coach Lindsey Horner turned to Kate Hopma in goal. Murray State pushed forward in search of an equalizer and outshot Drake 6–5 in the second half. However, the Bulldogs stayed organized and limited clear scoring chances.

Hopma made a key diving save on Gabriel Ramdeen in the 64th minute to preserve the shutout. Drake held on in front of 482 fans at Mediacom Stadium.

The Bulldogs finished with an 11–9 advantage in total shots and a 5–3 edge in shots on target. The victory also avenged Drake’s loss to Murray State in the 2022 MVC Tournament.

Drake women’s soccer turns to the MVC final

Now 13–3–3, Drake will host No. 2 seed Southern Illinois in the championship match on Sunday, Nov. 15, at 1 p.m. CST. The Bulldogs will play for the MVC Tournament title and an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament.

Drake vs. Murray State photo gallery

Photos by Corey Perrillioux