DUBUQUE, Iowa - With three conference games remaining, the University of Dubuque Spartans welcomed in the Storm of Simpson College on Wednesday night. As the Storm jumped out to an early lead, the Spartans were unable to complete the comeback and were handed only their second conference loss of the season. 

Early on the Storm controlled possession as they recorded six of the seven shots throughout the first twenty minutes of play. The Storm were first on the scoreboard with a goal in the 22nd minute. The Spartans quickly tried to even the score with a shot attempt from Makenna Lamp but was off target. The Storm raced down the other end and were on the attack as they attempted more shots. Freshman, goalkeeper Karissa Cruz prevented a score as she saved back-to-back shots. A few minutes later the Storm struck twice within a minute extending their lead to 3-0. Before half, the Spartans cut into the deficit with Emma Kober's 13th goal of the season off a pass from Lily Rimrodt. Kober is now one goal shy of cracking the top 10 for most goals in a single season at the University of Dubuque. 

In the second half, both defenses pitched a shutout as neither team found the back of the net. After zero corner kicks in the first half, the Spartans had six opportunities in the second half. The Spartans tacked on three more shots including one of the foot off Bailey Brennan on a free kick from midfield that bounced in front of the goal and hit off the top of the post. Through 90 minutes of play Cruz posted six saves as the Spartans lost 3-1.

Currently the Spartans are now 9-4-1 and are tied for third in conference along with Central and Luther.

Up Next
The Spartans will travel to Storm Lake, Iowa on Saturday as they take on the Beavers of Buena Vista. The game is scheduled to start at 1:00 p.m.