Boxscore RUSTON, La. ? Despite facing every imaginable obstacle ? a short roster, two players suspended just before kickoff and a McNeese State team that had outscored its opposition 15-0 in its previous three games ? the Lady Techsters used a tough offensive attack and sterling defense throughout to prevail over the visiting Cowgirls, 1-0, on Sunday at Joe Aillet Stadium.
?Of all the wins I?ve had in my career, this one was by far the most fulfilling,? Tech coach
Kevin Sherry said. ?That one gave me the most pleasure. We were short-handed, we had to suspend two players for violating team rules just 40 minutes before game-time?and we still pulled together and got the win. Every single player on the field gave 150%, and I couldn?t be more proud.?
Sophomore goalkeeper
Tara Gavlak notched her second shutout in as many games, and she was also instrumental in the Lady Techsters? only score of the day.
Following a Cowgirl foul, Gavlak ? known for her long blasts on goal kicks and punts ? took the free kick from the midfield stripe. She found freshman speedster
Kiva Gresham ahead of the pack, and Gresham beat McNeese keeper Shelby Money for her fourth goal of the season to give Tech a 1-0 lead at the 26:18 mark. It was the first career assist for Gavlak, who also had a shot on goal in the second half.
Louisiana Tech dodged a huge bullet early when a foul inside the 18-yard box gave McNeese a penalty shot in the fourth minute. But McNeese junior Kamryn Koch?s attempt sailed wide right, and the Cowgirls were denied an early lead.
The Lady Techsters built on that momentum with numerous great looks at the net.
Denise Wilson had a wide-open chance in the 15th minute, but luck would not be on her side as her blast hit the far post, missing a goal by mere inches.
In the second half, Tech tightened the screws on defense and did not allow a McNeese shot in the final 45 minutes, preserving the 1-0 victory. Tech outshot the Cowgirls, 12-3, including a 7-2 advantage in shots on goal.
Louisiana Tech has won consecutive games for the first time since winning three in a row to open the 2006 campaign. The Lady Techsters are now 8-1-2 all-time in non-conference play at Joe Aillet Stadium.
Tech will look to make it three in a row on Tuesday night, Oct. 2, as they play host to Lincoln Parish rival Grambling State. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Joe Aillet Stadium, and admission is free.
