There was not a lot of offense, but the Cyclones (1-0, 0-0 Big 12) mustered up just enough to get a win in their season opener against South Dakota State. 

Haley Albert, a 6-foot-1 senior, scored the lone goal of the contest in the 28th minute off of a loose ball on a corner kick from Taylor Wagner. Wagner, a freshman from Overland Park, Kan., was credited with an assist on the play.

From that point on, the scoring came to a screeching halt. Both teams had shots, but neither were able to capitalize on their chances. 

The Cyclones were unable to score any insurance goals, but the one would prove to be enough. Iowa State had to hold is breath for the final few minutes after junior Brianna Johnson was handed a red card.

The red card ejected Johnson from the game and forced the Cyclones to play a woman down for the final ten minutes of the contest.

The Cyclones combated the Jackrabbit’s advantage by packing in the box defensively, cracking down on any potential goal chances. The strategy successfully fended off any last-second equalizers, and the Cyclones took home a road win.

The ISU defense remained strong throughout the game, scoring the shutout. Goalkeeper Lindsey Hendon recorded five saves in the winning effort.  

The Cyclones will stay in South Dakota for the remainder of the weekend. They will square off against South Dakota at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday in Vermillion.