Soccer moves to 2-0 in Big 12 play

Senior midfielder Ashley York prepares to kick the ball during the match between Baylor and Oklahoma State on Sept. 25 at Betty Lou Mays Field. The Bears won 1-0. Photo credit: Sarah Pyo

The Baylor Bears’ soccer squad captured their second Big 12 conference win on the 2015 season. Baylor defeated Iowa State 1-0 on Friday in Ames, Iowa. The win also marks the Bears’ seventh-straight win.

The Bears scored a first-half goal to set the tone of the game early. Freshman Lauren Piercy scored in the 28th minute.

The Cyclones would battle back in the second half however, attacking the Bears defense late. Baylor goalkeeper Sara Martinson was able to fend off the Cyclone rush, recording three key saves.

The shutout against Iowa State marks the Bears’ third straight shutout this year.

“The defense just all-around was great, very proud of our backline posting another shutout,” said head coach Paul Jobson.

Baylor has not had a winning streak of seven games or more since 2012, when the Bears won eight-straight. As for Baylor’s opening two game conference winning streak, the Bears have not won their first two conference games since starting 3-0 in 1998.

“Anytime you can go on the road and get three points, you’re ecstatic. It’s hard to win conference games on the road,” Jobson said.

One of the main reasons for the Bears’ success this season has been the great play of their freshman, Jobson said.

The NCAA assist-leader, freshman forward Sarah King has been critical to the Bears good start to the season.

The win puts the Bears atop the Big 12 standings, where they are tied with West Virginia at 2-0.

TCU is also sitting high at 2-1 in conference play, losing to West Virginia this weekend in a thrilling 2-1 match.

The Bears look to continue their undefeated streak at 7 p.m. Friday in Lawrence, Kan. against the Kansas Jayhawks.

The Jayhawks come into the game with a 1-1 record in the Big 12.