DES MOINES, Iowa- The Drake Bulldogs scored three times in a seven-minute span in the first half Sunday afternoon then held on for a 3-0 win over the visiting SIUE Cougars in women's soccer at Drake's Cownie Stadium.

"It was a tale of two halves," SIUE Head Coach Derek Burton said. "We came on in the second half, but it was too late. It takes a full 90 minutes to win, and we didn't get 90 minutes today."

Drake, 8-4-3, scored the three goals on 12 first-half shots against the Cougars, who fall to 7-4-1.

Danielle Figliola got her head on a cross in the 26th minute to put the Bulldogs on top 1-0. Laura Moklestad made it 2-0 with a goal less than two minutes later. Tara Zika scored off a restart in the 33rd minute, making it 3-0 Drake at half.

SIUE outshot Drake 8-6 in the second half but couldn't convert on its chances.

"We had some good opportunities," Burton said. "We hit the crossbar twice." Burton praised two of his backs, junior Devon Thomas and senior Chelsea Johnston, on playing a good game.

"Devon and Chelsea both played really, really well today," he said. "As captains and upperclassmen, they were certainly not a part of our unpreparedness. I hope the team jumps on board and follow their lead as far as playing with a sense of urgency and intensity."

Burton also said he appreciated the way the team responded at half and hopes it carries over.

"The test will be moving forward. We're right back on the road Friday," Burton said. "On the road against Division I teams, you have to play with passion."

The Cougars travel to Terre Haute, Ind., Friday to take on Indiana State. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET.