No. 7 Baylor soccer relies on star-studded offense, staunch defense into final stretch

No. 7 Baylor soccer relies on star-studded offense, staunch defense into final stretch Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email By Carson Vercoe | Sports Writer Baylor soccer entered the 2026 season aiming to build on last season’s success. More than halfway through the season, the Bears have shown they possess the talent to do so. Ranked No. 7 nationally, Baylor holds an impressive 11-2-1 overall record. It also holds a 4-1-1 record in the Big 12, which is tied for second-best in the conference. After an opening win over No. 10 Arkansas, the Bears have proven to be one of the nation’s best with sound defense and a balanced offense. One of the biggest reasons for the Bears’ success has been their ability to produce on offense from anywhere. Baylor doesn’t just rely on one scorer; rather, it relies on several players who can score. Senior midfielder Aryanna Jimison has been a serious deep threat for the Bears. Her ability to score from anywhere on the field, and her confidence to take chances, have proven to be a major part of the Bears’ wins. She leads the team with six goals and three assists, totaling 15 points in just 14 matches. “I know once game time comes, if it’s on, I’m going to take it,” Jimison said. “Even if I do miss, its ok, because I will get the next one or the next one after that.” Senior forward Lauren Omholt has been another scorer on the wing for Baylor. Her speed on the wing lets Baylor play long through balls to her, putting Omholt in great scoring positions. Her five goals tie for second on the team. “I stay unpredictable,” Omholt said. “Mixing it up, cutting inside and outside. Just ultimately setting my teammates up to score and also scoring myself.” Freshman forward Grace White shows promise for the Bears’ future. Despite starting only four games, she has five goals, tying Omholt for second on the team. The Bears’ ability to distribute the offense has made them hard to defend. Opposing defenses can’t go all in on one player because Baylor has three more capable scorers. The distribution has led the Bears to average two goals per match. Baylor’s experienced core has also played a big role in its success. Fifth-year Azul Alvarez has been a steady presence in goal for the Bears. In her 14 starts, Alvarez has a .734 save percentage and 47 saves — third in the Big 12. The Bears’ veteran back line has also been consistent with junior Sydney Miller, fifth-year Natalie Vatter and seniors Bella James and Nyela Calnek. The experienced defense has been essential in close games. Baylor has won many one-goal matches, including ones against Oklahoma State, Texas and Cincinnati. These games show that even when the Bears offense struggles, their defense can keep them in the game. “We’ve got certain veteran players on this team who know how to finish a game,” head coach Michelle Lenard said. “We put them back on for the last 12 minutes, and you see us control the game.” The Baylor’s 11-2-1 record puts it in a strong position. The Bears have shown they can compete with ranked teams all across the country, produce goals and win close games. “If we commit to our plan and we execute at a high level, we can play with anybody and succeed,” Lenard said. The Bears still need to turn these strengths into sustained success down the line. Baylor is tied for second in the Big 12, leaving little to no room for a late-season slump. “We’re focused on one game at a time,” Lenard said. “What matters is where we are at the end of the season.” The remaining schedule will not be light either. The Bears will face a rival at home in TCU before hitting the road for three straight games against Arizona, Arizona State and No. 12 Texas Tech. They will finish out the season with a tough game against Houston. Baylor has built a strong start, but it doesn’t guarantee another tournament run. If the Bears can keep their offense balanced with a physical defense, they have the makings to remain a threat in the Big 12 and nationally. Aryanna Jimison Baylor Grace White Lauren Omholt michelle lenard Soccer