Aug. 21, 2009
Box Score
RUSTON, La. - Olivia Lukasewich put the game-winning shot just over the outstretched arms of Lamar's goalie in the 106th-minute Friday night as Louisiana Tech christened their new facility with a 3-2 win over the Cardinals. LA Tech sealed the win in double overtime in front of 217 fans at the inaugural match played at the Lady Techster Soccer Field.
Louisiana Tech (1-0-0) notched the victory, marking the first time in the program's short history that the Lady Techsters have opened the season with a win at home. Lamar (0-1-0) fell in the two teams' first meeting in school history.
"We were very nervous throughout the first 15 minutes of the game," Tech head coach Kevin Sherry said. "I think the girls felt a little pressure with it being our first home game at our new field. Our first goal calmed us down a little bit, but we lost some of our concentration in the second half. In the end, the game was a test of character. We tried different formations and did everything we could. Fortunately, we got lucky and found the answer."
Rachel King nearly ended the game eight minutes into the second overtime, but her shot from just over 10 feet out sailed over the goal. King contributed to the game-winning goal by serving a ball to Lukasewich in Lamar's box. Lukasewich, a native of Woodbridge, Ontario, settled it and then blasted it just past Jennifer Gibbs' hands.
"I am happy I could help the team earn our first win of the season," Lukasewich said. "It didn't matter that I was the one that scored, I just wanted to finish the play to win our first game on our new field. With the match being our first of the season, we really wanted to win."
Captain Kiva Gresham scored the Techsters' first goal of the season on an assist by freshman Abbie Lever in the 17th-minute. Tech would have a one-goal lead until Lamar's Beth Squires scored from 35-feet out two minutes into the second half. The Cardinals added one more in the 57th-minute as Lisa Topping gave Lamar the lead.
Scotti Culton tied the game for Tech with just under nine minutes to play in regulation. Gresham served the ball to Culton, who received some help as the ball ricochet off the post and into the net.
"They (Lamar) are a fantastic team," Sherry said. "I have so much respect for the way they played and for how they are coached. It was a great game for our fans to see. It was drama from start to finish."
The Lady Techsters return to the pitch Friday, Aug. 28 as they host Grambling State at 5 p.m. at the Lady Techster Soccer Field. For complete coverage of Lady Techster Soccer, please visit the official home of LA Tech Athletics at LATechSports.com.
