Oct. 5, 2004

Welcome to BaylorBears.com's second entry of "The 91st Minute with April Robertson," a weekly journal throughout the soccer conference season by the senior midfielder. Join Robertson each week as she takes fans behind the scenes of the 2004 Baylor soccer team and shares her take on last week's game, this week's opponent and more.

Robertson, a senior from Round Rock, Texas, has played in every game for Baylor throughout her career and is a two-time academic all-conference selection. During her career, she has scored nine goals, three for game-winners and has also added seven assists.

Check back often on BaylorBears.com for all of the latest news and stats on Baylor soccer and look for "The 91st Minute with April Robertson."

IOWA STATE AND KANSAS

Hello again! We just rolled into Waco early Monday morning, after a long, tiring weekend that began early Thursday.

We headed for Dallas on a bus like we do for every road trip at 6:00 a.m. Thursday morning. It was early, but we were eager to face our next Big 12 Conference opponents. From Dallas, we flew into Iowa where we would check into our hotel and get settled in; but, not for long as we shortly headed over to Iowa State's game field to test the grass, knock around a few balls and stretch our legs after the trip. It was a clear day, but according to the weather station, that wouldn't hold during play on Friday.

We awoke Friday morning to a rainstorm outside our hotel window. Opting not to brave the rain for another short practice, we ate breakfast at the hotel. We relaxed throughout the day, trying to catch up in our schoolwork and headed out after the rain had stopped for some lunch. Back to the hotel we got taped, bundled, and prepared to play the Cyclones.

Luckily the rain had passed, but a cold front had blown in, bringing the temperatures down to the low fifties by the time the whistle blew. Despite swollen fingers and numb toes we were able to take the lead as Tiffany Boshers put in a great shot that Kandyce Far dropped to her at the top of the box. Our spirits were high as we fought through halftime and the majority of the second half leading 1-0. However, Iowa State was able to score a goal with about 12 minutes left to take the game into overtime.

Telling each other to remember how it felt at the end of the Texas game didn't prove to be enough as we lost for the third time in four years to Iowa State in overtime.

As frustrating as it was, we had to leave early the next morning to a new state and a new opponent. We headed out of Ames, Iowa, for our next destination, Lawrence, Kan. Our adrenaline started pumping when we found out that the game was going to be televised locally, and we knew that the Jayhawks were ranked in the top ten in the nation. Our captains Ginny (Rosario-Tull) and Tiffany (Boshers) gave the team wide rubber bands before the game to put around our ankles, with "James 1:2," and "BELIEVE" written on them. We were joyful about the challenge and were ready to play. The game started at a fast pace, with hard tackles, a prime example of Big 12 soccer. Kansas unfortunately was able to score an early goal from the back post that put them ahead 1-0 at half time. We fought back in the second half with multiple scoring opportunities, but, a break-away goal, and a penalty kick brought the final to 3-0.

It was a long trip home as we analyzed our game plan, replaying scenarios over and over, wondering what would release the one component we are missing to take us where we know we can go.

Although the outcome was not what anyone wanted or expected, we will take it and learn as we train harder this week, knowing that we have two must-win games against Oklahoma and Oklahoma State on our home field.

Thanks for your support and we hope to see a huge crowd this weekend as we take on the Sooners and Cowgirls.