Women's soccer falls to Dubuque in regular season finale

INDIANOLA, Iowa - Alexandra Watkins scored the only goal of the game as Dubuque edged the Simpson women's soccer team 1-0 in Tuesday's regular season finale.

Watkins lofted a shot just over the outstretched arm of goalkeeper Stephanie Cox in the 33rd minute for the Spartans (14-4, 5-2 Iowa Conference), who closed the season on a four-game winning streak.

"I thought we played well again today," head coach Ryan Sander said. "We had the run of play most of the first half, but that means little when you can't put the ball in the back of the net."

Rachel Muse gave Simpson its best opportunities to score, both coming in the second half. The freshman got some space in the 47th minute and fired a shot that defelcted off the crossbar. She had another dangerous opportunity in the 80th minute, but was blocked by a Dubuque defender.

"We just need to do a better job in the attacking third of the field," Sander said.

Cox finished with nine saves and Mackenzie Stump took three shots for the Storm (4-15-1, 2-4-1), who go into the six-team IIAC Tournament as the No. 6 seed.

Simpson will face a familiar foe in the tournament, as the Storm will travel to third-seeded Dubuque on Saturday. Game time is yet to be determined.

"There is a quick turn around before we play Dubuque again, and it should be another good match," Sander said. "Hopefully we will come out on top this time around."