Oct. 31, 2008
Box Score
RUSTON -- Louisiana Tech closed out the most successful season in program history Friday night with a 1-0 loss to Western Athletic Conference champion Utah State at Ruston Junior High School.
And although it ended with a loss, head coach Kevin Sherry said he was thrilled with the performance of his young team against the undefeated Aggies in the season finale.
"I don't think I've ever been prouder of a team than I am of this one tonight," Sherry said. "It was incredible. The Utah State coach was so full of praise of our kids.
"This game could have gone either way. We were in there shooting it out. What a way to send off our seniors having played the best game of soccer Louisiana Tech has ever played. They were part of it. They were a big part of it."
Utah State entered the contest having already clinched the WAC title as the Aggies were a perfect 6-0 in league play. Tech (10-5-5) entered the game needing a win in order to secure a spot in the upcoming WAC Tournament.
The two teams played a scoreless first half as Tech keeper Cat Buchanan recorded a nice save on a free kick late in the first half that kept the game 0-0.
The game remained scoreless until the 53rd minute when Lauren Hansen took a pass in front of the goal and beat a Lady Techster defender one on one and one-timed the ball high into the right corner of the net for the only goal of the game.
Tech had a couple of scoring opportunities in the second half but never got a great look against a tough Utah State defense.
"To be honest, we took huge steps this year," Sherry said. "A lot bigger than I would have believed. To finish the season with such a great effort against the undefeated WAC champions leaves us with a positive vibe. When we start work again, it will be a positive memory and we will feed on it."
Utah State outshot Tech only 11-10 in the game.
Five Lady Techster seniors played their final game Friday night as Leslie Buck, Brittany Davis, Emily Cleaveland, Denise Wilson and Amy Wolsted all suited up for the final time.
Sherry said the program owes a lot to the group.
"Without them, I don't think there is Louisiana Tech soccer," Sherry said. "They were the first ever recruiting class here. They were the survivors from that class. They stuck it out through the thick and thin, through the good times and bad. It's a great testament of their strength and character."
Not only did Sherry and Co. record the program's first ever winning season, but the team shattered numerous individual and team records along the way.
