By Parmida Schahhosseini
Sports Writer
No. 7 Baylor faced the toughest match of the season going up against No. 19 Texas A&M on Sunday resulting in a 0-0 draw. It’s the Bears first tie of the season as the Aggies and Bears engaged in an intense match. It’s Baylor’s for the first shutout in 14 matches.
Despite coming into the game without having lost to Baylor in program history, the Aggies came into the game with a different mentality as they faced a competitive Baylor team.
“The wrath of the underdog finally can be our motto,” Texas A&M head coach G Guerrieri said. “For Baylor, it’s good for them. They have fought hard and I think they are unbeaten for their last 26 games. That is indicative of the work they put into a match. They are clearly not worried about bloodying anybody’s nose and stepping up its fight.”
Baylor certain wasn’t worried about roughing up the other team. Both of the yellow cards in the game went to Baylor and the Bears also had 11 fouls as opposed to Texas A&M’s nine.
The Bears struggled to convert shots into goals, but Baylor did outshoot the Aggies 13 to 12. Baylor also had four corners compared to three. Baylor had opportunities, including two shots by sophomore forward Bri Campos in overtime. Junior forward Natalie Huggins also missed a shot wide after a cross from senior forward Vic Hoffman.
The Aggies continued to play with confidence by staying aggressive on the defensive end, but the Bears matched the defensive intensity of Texas A&M.
The hostile environment also posed a tough task for Baylor, but junior goalkeeper Michelle Kloss did her job by posting another shutout.
Kloss had three critical saves including one in the last minute of regulation to prevent the game-winning goal. Kloss has become a key factor as the Bears continue to play tougher competition.
With this match, the Bears’ unbeaten streak continues at 27 games. Baylor is unbeaten in 13 road matches.
Baylor will return home to begin its season-long seven-match home stand beginning with a game against Cal Poly at 7 p.m. Friday in Betty Lou Mays.
