The ISU soccer team relied on two goals from senior forward Erin Witte to beat 2006 NCAA Tournament qualifier the Oakland Golden Grizzlies, 2-1, at the ISU Soccer Complex on Monday.

Witte struck first in the third minute of the game, giving the Cyclones (1-0) a 1-0 lead and setting the tone early, but, according to the team, an early strike isn’t always a good thing.

“It can be an advantage and a disadvantage,” said coach Rebecca Hornbacher.

“An advantage because we get out on top and we come out hard; it can be a disadvantage because you still have to play 88 minutes, and there’s so much soccer left in the game that we don’t want to . get up on top and relax, we want to keep going at them.”

Witte’s first goal was centered in the box and assisted by sophomore Elise Reid and junior Leslie Hill.

“My first goal was all my teammates’ hard work,” Witte said.

“Reid was able to get the ball to me right open in the middle, and I was able to get the ball high and over their goalie.”

Oakland won the Mid-Continent Conference last year and are projected to win again this year, but the Golden Grizzlies (0-2) weren’t able to get a shot off until 26 minutes into the game. The Cyclones had nine shots and a goal before the Golden Grizzlies took their first.

“Everywhere throughout the field I think we did really well with taking our shots,” Witte said. “And you can’t score if you don’t take shots, so I think that’s what was in all of our heads.”

Oakland ended the game with only four shots – the final shot coming in the 61st minute when senior Kristi Tomczyk scored to tie the game at one.

Eighteen minutes later, in the 79th minute, Witte scored her second goal assisted by Hill, which was the go-ahead and eventual game-winner for the Cyclones.

Witte led a three-on-two run, kept the ball and took a shot from the top of the box.

“With my second goal, the ball got caught underneath my feet, but great runs on the side took the defenders away from me and I was able to get the shot off. It’s all thankful to my team,” Witte said.

Witte also scored two of the team’s three goals in the preseason.

“I came into this season knowing it was my last season, and I really wanted to out with a bang and show my teammates how hard I worked in the off-season. It’s real nice, I hope I can keep it going,” Witte said.

Witte’s two goals came from three shots. As a team, the Cyclones accumulated 18 shots throughout the game – 10 on goal. Sophomore goalkeeper Ann Gleason ended up with two saves on three shots on goal.

Even in victory, there is much room for improvement, and Gleason explained what she thinks the team will need to improve on before the next game.

“As a team, we need to transition a little faster. That’s one thing we’re definitely gonna have to work on this week for the UNI game,” Gleason said.

The Cyclones will bring their win onto their home field at 7 p.m. Friday against intrastate rival University of Northern Iowa.