AMES, Iowa – After scoring just over a minute into the game, Iowa State (4-7-2, 1-6 Big 12) was unable to hold onto its lead as Houston (7-3-4, 2-3-2 Big 12) left Iowa with a 2-1 victory Thursday evening to earn its first win since Sept. 18.

Just six ticks past the first minute, Megan Walters took a long feed from Isabella Agrusso and sent a left-footed shot into the bottom right corner of the net to put the Cyclones on top early, 1-0. Houston would answer right back just two minutes later to knot things up at one all before taking the lead in the 35th minute and holding it for the remainder of the game.

M. Walters now has her second goal in as many games and moves into a tie for most points (7) and goals (3) on the team. She has scored in three of the four home Big 12 contests for ISU. Walters also attempted a game-high seven shots. Ella Ciardullo had four shots of her own, while Lucy Froitzheim had a pair, placing both on target. Kasey Cannistraro pulled down six saves on the night.

Houston’s Amaris Bumba and Madyson Bentil each picked up their second score of the season, while Ava Shannon earned an assist. Shannon led the Cougars with four shots and was tied with Bentil for the most on goal with two. Cougar keeper Maggie Manning notched two saves in her 90 minutes of work.

ISU recorded its most shots since Sept. 7, rattling off 19 on the evening and holding a seven-shot advantage over the Cougars. Houston won the corner war (6-3), while ISU recorded more saves, 6-3.

Iowa State: Megan Walters – 1:06 (3)

Houston: Amaris Bumba – 3:41 (2), Madyson Bentil – 34:38 (2)

Iowa State: Isabela Agrusso (2)

Houston: Ava Shannon (3)

The Cyclones will be back in action this Sunday, Oct. 19, when they face Arizona State in the home finale. ISU and ASU will kick off at 6 p.m. and the match is set to be streamed live on ESPN+.