DeKALB | Women’s soccer (1-2-1) fell to the University of Baylor Bears (4-1), 1-0 Friday night at the NIU Soccer Complex.

A goal in the 88th minute headed in by Baylor’s sophomore midfielder Julie James from six yards out pushed the Bears past the Huskies.

James also scored two goals in the previous matchup between the two teams last fall.

NIU’s junior goalkeeper Amy Annala made two key saves in the first half, one save 30 seconds into the game.

Baylor sophomore midfielder Sarah King and sophomore forward Amanda Hoglund had their shots stopped by Annala to keep a clean sheet for the first 45 minutes.

Baylor sophomore midfielder Lauren Piercy took a shot a little over a minute into the second half and four minutes later Hoglund took another strike, both shots were again saved by Annala.

The matchup between the teams was a physical and defensive battle with the them for 25 fouls.

Though allowing one goal, the Huskies’ defense stood up to the challenge of Baylor’s attack.

“Baylor’s a very good team,” Ross said. “They’re physical, aggressive and I feel that we matched them tonight in those categories. We were able to really do what we wanted to do from the get-go of this week. Our game plan, we followed it.”

Piercy came into the match leading the Big 12 Conference in points and goals. NIU held the sophomore in check for most of the game. Piercy assisted on James’ goal to add to her point total.

NIU head coach John Ross said the team had a couple of opportunities in the attacking end where they could have been sharper, but the sharpness will come with a little more composure on the ball and holding it a little more while waiting for teammates to come up.

The Huskies did not get the result they wanted, but were able to follow the game plan the team set at the start of the week.

“We didn’t get the result we wanted, but you also have to give them credit. That was a great finish that [James] had. The way our kids fought, the way our kids got better today is a thing that we’re really looking at.”

The Huskies take on the University of Arizona in their next match at 8:00 p.m. Friday in Tucson, AZ.