Drake women’s soccer season is barely underway, but senior forward Laura Moklestad is already eyeing a post-season appearance.

“I think making it to the championship of the MVC (Missouri Valley Conference) tournament and even getting a win and going into the NCAA tournament would be awesome,” Moklestad said. “I think we are in a good place that we can do some great things this year.”

Thanks to a first-ever win over Big Ten powerhouse Nebraska on Aug. 19, the Bulldogs’ expectations are especially high.

“I think that just sets the bar a lot higher because we know already what our potential is, and that we can beat a team like Nebraska is huge,” Moklestad said. “So, we’re just looking forward to the other teams we’re playing, that we have the ability and the skill level to beat those teams.”

Before MVC play opens on Sept. 2, Drake’s non-conference schedule heats up against South Dakota State at 6 p.m. on Friday in Brookings, S.D.

Defense is key against the Jackrabbits’ speedy roster. Drake head coach Lindsey Horner anticipates entertaining matchups on Friday.

“South Dakota State traditionally is a close game with a lot of good individual matchups,” Horner said in an email. “They play on a big field, so we will have space to get our wingers involved in the attack.”

With South Dakota State in Friday’s forecast, controlling play is Drake’s top priority.

“We’ve played them the past two years, and they have always been guns blazing, full force, fast,” junior goalkeeper Kalena Litch said. “We need to play our own game. We need to control the game.”