Oct. 5, 2008

Box Score

HOUSTON -- Louisiana Tech defeated Houston Baptist 1-0 Sunday afternoon, clinching the first winning season in the program's history.

The victory puts Tech 10-2-1 on the season heading into the start of Western Athletic Conference play as the Lady Techsters travel to Boise State Friday for the league opener.

"This was one of the goals we set," said Tech head coach Kevin Sherry about his team's winning season. "I'm overjoyed that we achieved it. This is a massive step in the development of this program. I can't stress how big it is. I give all the credit to the players because they worked really hard."

Sunday's victory didn't come easy.

Freshman forward Rachel King scored the lone goal of the contest in the 34th minute of the game and Tech held on for the win. King's goal came on a flurry of action in front of the Houston Baptist goalkeeper where back-to-back shots were deflected, the second bouncing to King who one-timed the ball into the back of the net.

Despite dominating possession of the ball in the game, Tech was unable to add an insurance goal and had to survive with the one-goal win.

"It was a good, professional performance," Sherry said. "It we had taken care of the opportunities in front of the goal the game wouldn't have been so close. A one goal lead is the worse in soccer because it can be easily negated with one mistake. They put pressure on us in the second half, but we held on. Today was our day."

Tech outshot HBU 17-5 on the day

Junior goalkeeper Tara Gavlak saw action in her second game of the year and once again recorded a shutout, making saves on the only two shots on goal and combining with a strong Tech defensive team effort.