AMES – Following last week’s sweep against Oregon, the Cyclones headed home to face Midland University. The return to Ames followed a four-week road game stand.
During Friday’s matchup, Iowa State fell to Midland late in the game as the Warriors put up four goals in the third period. The Cyclones looked dominant in the first two periods but quickly lost their spark in the third period, as they were shutout 4-0.
Iowa State’s defense dominates first period
Iowa State displayed a tough defense during the first period. Although Midland won most of the faceoffs, the possession between the two teams was close. Iowa State displayed a few shots on goal and connected well on the ice but it wasn’t enough to put themselves on the board.
Throughout the first period, Cyclones goalie Jack Woitalla was attentive and withheld the Warriors offense. Woitalla had many creative and vital saves throughout the period.
“Just reading the play and being as fast as I can,” Woitalla said.
A goalie’s role is key for the defensive side of things and Woitalla demonstrated his abilities to keep the Cyclones defensively tight.
Along with the defense for Iowa State, physicality was essential in dominating early this game. The Cyclones received three penalties throughout the first period as they upped their defense.
Iowa State needed a tight defense and during the first period, Woitalla’s swift moves in the crease put the Cyclones in a good position as the first period concluded.
Deja vu sets in, still knotted at no score
In the second period, the Cyclones had a much more offense-based second period due to power plays and scoring opportunities.
Iowa State looked to gain the lead as the second period played out, but the opportunity never struck. The Cyclones defense continued to hit hard as many checks were given out.
Throughout the season, many players for Iowa State have shown the physicality to stay in the game and during the second period, many players contributed where the defense was needed.
Midland continued to dominate during faceoffs, but yet again, the possession time was split.
The Cyclones looked to gain the lead as the second period played out, but the opportunity never struck.
Head coach Jason Jaworski stands by simple standards to take victories throughout this season. He credits many areas where this team needs to tighten up.
“Hard work, continue to work hard, pressure the puck and make hockey plays,” Jaworski said.
Iowa State gives up four goals in the third period to seal the game
With the final period starting with a score of 0-0, the Cyclones were searching for a goal to have a lead for the night. Ultimately that never happened.
Iowa State’s energy plummeted as four goals were scored by the Warriors. The period played out with heightened physicality by the Cyclones, but that wasn’t enough to take the win.
A key goal scorer this season for the Cyclones is forward Sam Eaton. This season, Eaton has tallied four goals and an assist. With this offensive success, Eaton knows how to set up to get a goal, but that didn’t happen during this period.
“Tightening up in the [defensive] zone, getting pucks in the net and trying to make plays in the offensive zone,” Eaton said.
Following this tough loss, Iowa State will head to Fremont, Nebraska, to play the second game of the series. The Cyclones look to split the series on Saturday night with puck drop at 7:30 p.m.
