After an inspired end of the year run that helped the Cyclones into the Big 12 tournament, Iowa State was knocked off in the first round against top-seeded Baylor on Sunday.

The Cyclones came out strong, but the Bears outlasted the Cyclones and generated a few smooth attacks to win the game 3-0.

It was Baylor goalkeeper Jennifer Wandt’s 11th shutout of the season and it spelled the end of the season for the Cyclones.

The first half was littered with scoring chances for either side, so it was crucial for the Cyclones to get on the board if they wanted to compete with the best team in the conference.

Emily Steil — a senior playing in the last game of her collegiate career — was very active in the first as she took the corner kicks for the Cyclones, and also had a couple shots of her own that sailed over the net.

The Bears had a 1-0 lead heading into halftime, and in the second half, they dominated.

Baylor was the Big 12 champion last year, and its veterans know the pressures of this tournament and how to deal with them. The Cyclones were making their first tournament appearance since 2016.

Last time Iowa State and Baylor met was on Oct. 7, when the Cyclones lost in overtime thanks to a Taylor Moon goal. Moon scored on a penalty kick on Sunday as well.

Senior Klasey Medelberg also led a couple charges for Iowa State, with one cross hitting off of sophomore Kassi Ginther and going just wide of the net.

Senior captain Jordan Enga started all 20 games for the Cyclones and played every minute of the season as a center back.

Redshirt senior midfielder Brooke Tasker took over a starting role midseason due to numerous injuries along with strong play.

Seniors Brianna Curtis and Taylor Wagner played significant bench roles for Iowa State and contributed to the team as depth players.

Senior Riley Behan had to sit out all season due to injury, and she still has a decision to make on whether or not she wants to redshirt for next season.

Everyone else will be returning next year for the Cyclones, who will look to build on their 2018 campaign.

Baylor will face the winner of Texas Tech and Texas Christian in the semifinals.

For the Cyclones, they’ll look forward to next year, where they will have a strong junior class and a clean slate with their injuries possibly in check.