AMES — Iowa State’s early goal was not enough, as the defense faltered during key moments, resulting in a 1-1 draw against Baylor.

Visibly coming into the match with excitement, the Cyclones started off on the right foot as junior midfielder Lauren Hernandez scored Iowa State’s first and only goal of the match in the fourth minute. 

Forward Ella Ciardullo sailed the ball toward the Bears’ goal on the first corner kick of the match. The Cyclones battled in the box before defender Chloe Broughton took an attempted shot on goal before being saved by Baylor goalkeeper Azul Alvarez. Bouncing back off Alvarez, Hernandez deflected the save for an early goal, her first of the season.

“I think tactically we got everything right to put us on the front foot and put us in charge of the game,” Iowa State head coach Matt Fannon said. “Once we were ahead, we kept pushing and getting after another one.”

Iowa State continued its offensive success in the first half as the Cyclones had nine shots on goal compared to seven for the Bears. Iowa State’s efficient passing and quick speed played a big role in the matchup, as the team was able to prevent Baylor from stealing the ball.

Walking into the second half 1-0, the Cyclones slowed down as they lacked momentum, which drove the Bears to gain more possession of the ball.

Although continuously battling back and forth, Iowa State made seven shots on goal but lacked the drive and target to put the ball accurately through the net.

“As the game gets down to the last five to 10 minutes and you’re a goal ahead, you are in a space where your players are feeling the stress of what’s going on,” Fannon said. “At the end of the day, I think we played both sides of the ball really well.”

Coming into the last minutes of play, both teams became more aggressive and alert as Baylor became driven by motivation to get points on the board. Overall leading to the Cyclones moving more on the defensive side in the second half against the Bears with 10 attempted shots.

Due to Iowa State’s more aggressive approach, the team walked away with three yellow cards in the second half by defender Isabella Agrusso, forward Ella Ciardullo and the Iowa State bench.

In the 84th minute of play, junior midfielder Skye Leach scored Baylor’s lone goal due to a long drive shot. Although goalkeeper Avery Gillahan walked away with six saves, she was unable to bail out the Bears’ goal, ending the game in a 1-1 draw.

“Incredibly proud of the women who have worked very hard. They did a very good job,” Fannon said. “I’m really disappointed and devastated for them because we thought it would end well and we were almost there.”