Right now, the ISU women’s soccer team is winning, but it’s not as good as coach Rebecca Hornbacher said she knows it can be.

Renee de St. Aubin’s first-half goal was the difference for the Cyclones (3-2-1) in a 1-0 home victory over South Dakota State (2-2) on Friday night.

Iowa State controlled play from start to finish, but was unable to completely distance themselves from its opponents.

“We did what we needed to do to get the win, and for that, I’m excited.” Hornbacher said. “We got two in a row, and we are moving in the right direction, but the girls need to look to continue improving.

“We have a lot of potential, and when we get things clicking all over the field, we will be a much more dangerous team.”

Defensively, the Cyclones were able to control the ball for the entire game, allowing just four shots – only one of those on goal.

Offensively, Amanda Purple set up St. Aubin with a perfectly timed pass from just past midfield for the game’s only score. Off a dead ball, the freshman’s pass dropped in front of St. Aubin on the right side of the box, and the sophomore kicked it into the corner of the net.

She is the only Cyclone with multiple goals this season.

“Really, it was a great ball [from Purple],” St. Aubin said. “I was just lucky to be at the right place at the right time.”

Hornbacher said more than chance factored into the goal.

“Renee put herself in a position to score goals,” Hornbacher said. “She got on the end and put herself in the right place to finish it off. She has gotten the game-winning goal two games in a row. She is doing her job and understands her role. She found a way to help us win.”

Iowa State had 10 shots, six of which were on goal.

“Overall, our team needs to continue to improve upon the things we talk about and stress in practice,” Hornbacher said.

Goalkeeper Joanna Haig only needed to make one save, combining with the defense for the Cyclones’ third shutout of the year.

“We worked hard and got the end result, but we know that we have to be a completely different team,” Haig said. “It was nice to see us knock it around and possess, but if we can just pick up our speed a little, then we will be the better off for it.”

The Cyclones have two nonconference games on the road next weekend, facing Creighton and Drake in the Bulldog Bash.

Before their September 23 Big 12 opener, Hornbacher hopes to have senior forward Kristina Baumann back in the lineup. Last year’s leading scorer had minor surgery Friday morning to repair a slight tear in her meniscus tendon.

Hornbacher said Baumann was expected to be able to play within seven to 10 days. She was injured against Purdue and sat out the team’s previous two games. Reserve forward Leslie Hill is also nursing an injury, and saw limited action against the Jackrabbits on Friday.

Results for Sunday’s game against Colorado College were unavailable at press time and will be in Tuesday’s edition of the Daily.