DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - The Loras Women's Soccer team extended their winning streak to five on Sunday, Sept. 13 with a 5-4 decision over Benedictine. Senior Katie Truesdale recorded a hat-trick, scoring goals in the 7th, 40th, and 81st minutes.

Playing their fifth game in nine days, Loras (5-1-0) appeared to show little signs of exhaustion early on, jumping out to a quick 1-nil lead thanks to a goal from Truesdale in the 7th minute. The strong start was short-lived as Benedictine (2-3-0) responded with goals in the 20th and 26th minutes to take the 2-1 lead.

Truesdale found the back of the net for her second of the day before the first was was complete, heading in a cross from freshman Elizabeth Mills in the 40th minute. The Duhawks held a 7-4 advantage on shots in the opening frame, putting six of their seven on target, forcing four saves from the Benedictine goalkeeper.

Out of the halftime hiatus, sophomore Gretchen Schutz connected with senior Danielle Vujovic to give Loras the lead in the 50th minute. Schutz' throw-in bounced inside the penalty area and Vujovic beat her mark to the ball in the air, sending her header up and over the Benedictine goalkeeper.

The lead was short-lived for Loras as Benedictine drew a penalty call two minutes later. Stepping to the penalty spot, Taylor Pokorny blasted her shot past a diving Maria Siebels to level the sides at three.

Later in the half, the Eagles were surging with momentum against a tired Loras squad. Threatening inside the penalty area, the center official awarded an indirect free kick to the Eagles in which they converted to take the 4-3 lead. The goal was Pokorny's second of the day.

When all looked like the Duhawks winning ways were set to come to an end, the Duhawks benefited secured the equalizer in teh 81st minute on a strike from Truesdale. A foul near the top of the box had been committed by Benedictine and the referee was unsure if advantage should be played. Upon review, he allowed the goal to stand and bring the sides level once again.

With freshman Elizabeth Mills now playing up top from her normal midfield role, she had just enough in the gas tank to make a late run after Schutz played a ball over the top of the Benedictine back line. With just the keeper remaining, Mills sent home the winner and gave Loras the final lead of the match.