Mike Schaefer

Karoline Brause’s 89th-minute goal off the corner kick may not seem too big on the surface. However, by scoring the only Jackrabbit goal in a 3-1 loss to Drake, the senior from Fergus Falls, Minn., scored the first goal of her collegiate career.

Drake’s Sarah Foote opened the scoring in the 31st minute, with an assist from teammate Blair Nelson. Katie Sauer added to the Jackrabbits woes by adding a goal right before half, putting the Bulldogs up 2-0.

Justine Hickman netted the final goal for the Bulldogs early in the second half. SDSU missed a couple of second-half chances before Brause finally got them on the board late in the half.

Coach Lang Wedemeyer saw Brause’s play against Drake as a big positive.

“The score reinforces the work effort we try to preach every day at practice,” said Wedemeyer.

Brause’s goal kept the Jackrabbits from being shutout for the third time this season. Despite the lopsided 3-1 score, Wedemeyer said, “The score line was not indicative of the game.”

The Jacks had opportunities, with 14 shots taken, but the difference in the game was converting those shots.

“We missed quality opportunities to score, but it’s obvious we are doing some good things on the field. That’s the next step from losing to winning those types of games,” said Wedemeyer.

The weather may have gotten colder, but it has not chilled the women’s enthusiasm to go out there and play.

“They are eager to get back on the field, to prove themselves again. They really want to show what they are capable of, especially after falling back to 3-3,” said Wedemeyer.

The team gets the chance to prove themselves this weekend, with two games in Wisconsin. On Friday, the team travels to Green Bay to take on Wisconsin-Green Bay. On Sunday, the Jacks face Wisconsin-Milwaukee, fresh from a victory over nationally-ranked Missouri. The team has faced both of these schools in the past and is looking for their first wins against the two programs.

The Jackrabbits’ next home showing is against rival North Dakota State on Oct. 4, at Fishback Soccer Park.

#1.884302:2520518251.jpg:SlideTackle.jpg:SDSU player, Erin Sakata (#20), slide tackles a Drake player.:Christy Wey