DENVER - The IUPUI women's soccer team continued to struggle to get over the hump in Summit League play on Sunday, dropping a 1-0 road decision to Denver at CIBER Field. DU's Karina Fredette provided the game's only tally, scoring off a combination play in the 72nd minute. 

Denver (3-11-1, 3-3 Summit) had the better run of play in the early going, including a Stella Norman header that hit the crossbar in the 23rd minute. IUPUI (6-8-2, 1-4-1) had quality first half chances from Krissy Kirkhoff and Hayley Shelton, but was unable to convert in the opening 45 minutes. 

The Jaguars came out aggressive to start the second half, largely behind the individual efforts to Kirkhoff and senior midfielder Meghan Day. However, the game changed on a restart in the 72nd minute, resulting in the game's only score. Norman hit the restart to Fredette, who headed the ball down. Her header fell to Riley Welch, who shifted a pass back to Fredette who was able to get a shot to the left of IUPUI sophomore goalie Catherine Schmidt for her third score of the year. 

"It was a mental lapse that led to the goal. We didn't do what we needed to do," IUPUI Head Coach Chris Johnson said. "They capitalized on an opportunity where a couple backs didn't clear the ball away the way they should have. Their kid hit a real nice shot from there. I thought Cat Schmidt did a good job in goal all day and made some really nice saves."

Denver's defense was similarly stingy though, allowing IUPUI just one shot attempt over the final 30-plus minutes.

Kirkhoff led the attack with four attempts and Day tried two as the Jaguars were outshot 12-9 for the match. Norman and Brooke Boothe had a team-high three shots for the Pioneers. 

"We came out pretty good and had some crosses across their goal, but just didn't get on the end of them and get them on frame," Johnson said. "We missed some chances."

The loss eliminated the Jaguars from potentially making the four-team Summit League Tournament, to be played in Denver in early November. The Jags can finish the regular season with 10 points in conference play with two wins, but would still fall outside of the top four finishers.  

IUPUI will return home to cap the season, hosting North Dakota State on Friday (Oct. 30) and South Dakota State on Sunday (Nov. 1). Both matches will be free of charge at Michael A. Carroll Stadium as standard university parking rates will apply. IUPUI will recognize the senior class following Sunday's match and Friday's contest will be broadcast on IUPUIJags.com as Morgan Adcock (pxp) calls the action.