By Jeffrey Swindoll
Sports Writer

The Bears broke their two-game losing streak with a dominant 4-0 win over UTSA and extended their new undefeated streak to two matches after a 0-0 draw with Oral Roberts University.

After failing to win or draw a game in two matches in Illinois two weeks ago, the Bears focused on getting back on track before Big 12 play begins on Friday.

The Bears outshot the University of Texas at San Antonio 7-0 in the first half, five on goal. Junior midfielder Bri Campos then scored to tie the team lead in goals this season with sophomore Ashley York. The fellow midfielder added two goals of her own.

“The girls did a good job of keeping the gas on,” Baylor co-head coach Marci Jobson said. “They hit on all cylinders and finished well. We tried to put last weekend out of our minds. We trained well during the week and got the result we wanted tonight. It’s always good to win and get momentum but it doesn’t guarantee a second win in the weekend.

The Bears’ match against Oral Roberts was the Bears’ first draw of the season. It was also only the second time being shutout all season, and the first time being shutout at home. Baylor did have opportunities to go up several times in the match though, including a shot from Baylor that slammed the crossbar. The Bears outshot the Golden Eagles 21-4.

“We had a lot of chances but both teams played hard and well,” Jobson said. “Obviously we wanted a win but I could not ask for more in terms of effort.”

Oral Roberts goalkeeper Helen Erb was sent off after taking down junior forward Sara Moghadas on a one-on-one breakaway in the 88th minute. There was not much debate from the Oral Roberts side regarding the referee’s decision. The correct call was clear and rightfully made on the red card, Jobson said.

The Golden Eagles had to play with 10 players against Baylor’s full 11 for the final three minutes of regulation and the full 20 minutes of overtime. The Bears cranked up the offense a notch, knowing they have the man advantage in the sudden death overtime period, but could not convert.

“Ties are frustrating, especially when you dominate shots,” Campos said. “We have to keep fighting & get ready for conference.”

It was the first match of the season the Bears played all 90 minute of regulation and 20 minutes of overtime. It was the most running the Bears had to do so far this season, but it was not the first time the fitness of the team has been greatly challenged, Jobson said.

“That’s soccer, you know. The best team doesn’t always end up blowing out the other team,” York said. “You have to take it one day at a time. Friday, we scored a lot of goals and that was good for us, we got better. Today, we didn’t score a lot and we know we have to get better at putting the ball in the back of the net.”

With three overtime matches under their belt the Bears have some mental fortitude going into an always-tight conference season, Jobson said.

The Bears closed out their pre-conference season 6-3-1, going undefeated at home ahead of a four-match home stand coming up for the next two weekends.

Baylor soccer opens conference play this upcoming weekend with two home games.

The Bears (6-3-1) begin Big 12 play with a 7 p.m. start Friday against No. 16 Kansas. The Jayhawks are currently undefeated this season. The Bears will then play against Iowa State at 1 p.m. Saturday. Both matches will be played at the Betty Lou Mays Soccer Field in Waco.