AMES — Iowa State aims to bounce back against Oklahoma State on Thursday, after a 2-0 loss to No. 24 Texas Tech Sunday.

The conference loss to the Red Raiders was the Cyclones’ third of the season. Iowa State came into the game with a slow start, as both teams battled back and forth with neither team ending the first period with a score.

Iowa State had a strong defense but they lacked opportunities to score points as they were outshot 21-2.

“I think we were too hectic on the ball,” head coach Matt Fannon said. “Which is why I don’t think we created enough chances in the game to get into it but I think we defended really well.”

During the second half of the game, Texas Tech put away two goals by defender Macy Blackburn and forward Ashleigh Williams. The second goal of the game was delivered by Williams who was granted a penalty kick after Iowa State junior defender Isabella Agrusso earned a yellow card in the 66th minute.

“A penalty is part of the game in those moments,” Fannon said. “It’s a moment where Texas Tech ended up getting a goal and there is not a lot we can do about it other than the decision to stay on your feet and defend.”

Oklahoma State is coming off a successful week after winning its past two games and is on a three-game winning streak in the Big 12 Conference.

The Cowgirls defeated Cincinnati 1-0 Sunday after senior wingback Alex Morris scored the lone goal in the 27th minute marking her third goal of the season.

Leading Oklahoma State is junior forward Logan Heausler, who has a team-high of six goals. Following behind is junior midfielder Xcaret Pineda and senior forward/midfielder Nicole Ray, who both have a secured total of five goals.

Leading the team in assists is sophomore midfielder Laudan Wilson with eight assists and three goals this season.

Oklahoma State enters the matchup with an 11-2-3 overall record and a 4-2-2 conference record. 

Despite the last couple of games, Fannon is optimistic about the upcoming matchup as he believes his players are in a position where they can start winning.

“We have to get off to a good start knowing that Oklahoma State at home is really good at getting goals and getting on the front foot,” Fannon said. “If we can do that, we are going to be in a space where we are really successful because we have the pieces that can win this game.”

The Cyclones will face Oklahoma State at 7 p.m. Thursday in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The game will be live-streamed on ESPN+.