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VALPARAISO, Ind. - In a near identical showing to the season opener, the IUPUI women's soccer team stumbled for the second time in three days to start the 2017 campaign as the Jaguars fell at Valparaiso on Sunday (Aug. 20), 2-0. Sophomore goalkeeper Sophia Lipka registered a career-high eight saves, but it wasn't enough as the host Crusaders improved to 2-0 to start the year. 

The Jaguars (0-2) did well to only trail 1-0 at the break after being outshot 14-5 in the opening 45 minutes and allowing five corner kicks. VU's Sydney Griffin got a shot past Lipka in the 28th minute, thanks to an assist from Kelsey Jahn. 

IUPUI was more effective in the attack in the second half, led largely by freshman Valentine Pursey, but it went for naught. Just moments after Krissy Kirkhoff pushed a shot wide right of target, VU added insurance late in the match. Grace Rogers rolled a cross to VU's Tahelah Noel, who blasted a shot past Lipka from just inside the 18-yard box in the 73rd minute. Valpo finished with a 22-13 shot advantage and 11-5 edge in shots on goal. 

VU's Cory Griffith and Noel combined on 12 attempts, putting eight on frame against Lipka. Pursey led the IUPUI attack with four shot attempts while senior Beth Parks, making her first career start, had three tries. 

"I think every game we are improving," senior Sarah Jacobs said. "Our effort today was a lot better than what it was Friday and with better effort will come better play. We've got some work to do, but I think this team is ready for the challenge."

Parks and sophomore Emma Chambers earned their first career starts on Sunday while Head Coach Chris Johnson's squad had seven different freshmen see time. 

IUPUI will continue the early season action next Friday night (Aug. 25) when the Jaguars face Evansville at UE's Arad McCutchan Stadium. That contest will be broadcast on ESPN3 and kick at 6:00 p.m. Eastern.