WACO, Texas - Texas State (3-0-1) secured a national upset in its first-ever win over a ranked opponent in a 3-1 final score on Sunday night over No. 6 Baylor at Betty Lou Mays Field. The offense was led by Helen Alormenu who recorded a brace in the second half to lift the Bobcats to victory.
Sophomore Matsuri Tsutsui jumped out of the gate and struck first when she intercepted a ball intended for a Baylor defender outside the 18-yard box and landed her shot inside of the left post in just the second minute. The goal marks the third of her career and first of the 2026 campaign.
Baylor would respond immediately and knot it up at one apiece early, as both teams found the back of the net before the clock hit the two minute mark. The score would remain tied at one into halftime, as the early action led to a level score after the first 45 minutes.
For the second time this season, a set piece entry into the box deposited by Jenny Ngankem led to a Bobcat goal. Ava Kooker received the boot and dished a perfect assist for Helen Alormenu's first goal of the season to give a 2-1 advantage to Texas State.
Alormenu would intercept the ball at the center line in the 72nd minute and would take a shot from about 57 yards, placed perfectly over the head of the Baylor keeper for her second goal of the night. The brace is her first since last season versus Our Lady of the Lake (8/14/25), and is the third Bobcat brace in 2026 in just four matches.
Between the posts, Caitlyn Draper was as good as it gets, making two highlight-reel saves and recorded four total in the win. The Bobcat back line was rock solid despite being outshot 16-9 and eight corner attempts for the Bears.
"This team is playing with a lot of confidence right now and I'm really proud of them," shared head coach Steve Holeman. "After stunning A&M we talked about shocking Baylor on Sunday. What an incredible brace from Helen and some high level saves from Draper. So many players contributed to this and I'm excited to see what this team can do this year."
The Bobcats have earned its first win over an SEC opponent in its Wednesday night win over Texas A&M, and now its first-ever win over a ranked opponent in program history, as well as the first win over Baylor in the same week.
UP NEXT
Texas State returns to the Bobcat Soccer Complex to take on East Texas A&M on Thursday, Aug. 27. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. (CT).
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