Constance Atton I Lariat Photographer
Reporter
Freshman midfielder Ashley York’s early goal led the Baylor Bears soccer team (9-5-3, 2-4-1) to a 1-0 victory over Oklahoma State (6-4-6, 1-2-3) in the final Big 12 Conference home game of Baylor’s regular season on Friday.
York found the back of the net just after the four-minute mark to give the Bears an early 1-0 lead against the Cowgirls.
Baylor’s offense outplayed OSU, recording 10 shot attempts and four shots on net.
The goal was set up after an OSU foul gave Baylor a free kick. Senior midfielder Larissa Campos took the free kick. Her attempt landed in front of York, who was able to put the kick into the net. York’s goal ended a 12-game scoreless streak.
“It was delivered well,” York said. “I was just in the right place, right in front of the goal.”
York’s goal tied her with sophomore forward Bri Campos for most goals scored by a Baylor player at five goals. Junior goalie Michelle Kloss earned her ninth shutout of the season thanks to the help of the Bears defense.
“It feels great to get a another shutout, another win,” Kloss said. I think the defense was absolutely amazing. They’re the ones who help with the shutout.”
The defense was needed for a full 90 minutes as OSU was able to put pressure on Baylor.
In the 16th minute of the first period, OSU received two corner kicks. Baylor was able to defend both kicks, which included a save by Kloss on the second attempt. OSU senior midfielder Kristen Kelley had a breakaway shot, but Kloss again made the save to keep the score 1-0.
Baylor’s defense stood firm and the squad kept the Cowgirls out of reach.
“We kept our foot on the gas the whole time,” York said.
This was Baylor’s first win since Sept. 27 when the squad beat Oklahoma at home 1-0.
“We’ve had some unlucky stuff going on for us the past couple games between hitting post, calls called back and last minute goals in overtime,” Baylor co-head coach Marci Jobson said. “This is great to come out and play a very good team, and to play like that with a lot of energy and a lot of excitement. I think we played really well from minute one to 90, and when we do that we can play with any team in the country.”
For Baylor’s seniors, it was their last chance to play at home.
“We talked to our seniors last night,” Jobson said. “We really challenged them to step up, and I think we needed them to step up. Tonight, they stepped up and played well.”
Baylor’s focus now shifts to keeping its momentum and energy rolling as the Bears go into their final conference game against TCU.
“People being consistent in their energy and effort is the biggest key for us right now,” Jobson said.
The Bears cannot let their thoughts drift to the upcoming Big 12 tournament.
“It’s one game at a time right now, we’re just focusing on TCU,” Kloss said. “Big 12 tournament isn’t even in our view yet.”
