Oct. 25, 2010
RUSTON, La. - With a 3-0 win at Hawai'i on Friday and the way other conference matches played out on Sunday, the Louisiana Tech soccer team has qualified for the Western Athletic Conference Tournament held Nov. 4, 5 and 7 in Ruston.
The Lady Techsters knew they would qualify as one of the top six teams in the WAC late Sunday night after Hawai'i managed a tie with New Mexico State. For the first time in school history, Louisiana Tech will continue play after the team's final regular season match at New Mexico State on Friday. Tech joins San Jose State, Boise State, Utah State and Idaho as teams that have secured spots in the tournament.
"For this team to achieve what it has achieved, and to be a part of it, is something very special that few people get to experience and this moment will live long in the memory," said head coach Kevin Sherry. "I was told on coming here that 'you can't win at LA Tech, and to now having qualified for the tournament for the very first time in the program's history, you can understand how very happy this makes us all feel."
Since Sherry arrived in Ruston four years ago, he has made a remarkable turnaround of the Tech soccer program. The Lady Techsters recorded just two wins in 2007, 10 wins in 2008, 12 wins in 2009 and this season hold a record of 14-5 with a 4-3 conference record, both school records, after being picked last in the WAC Preseason Coaches' Poll.
"When the odds were stacked against them they just put their heads down and went to work, urging each other on and never lost sight of their goal," Sherry said. "I am so proud of this team. Words cannot express for how I feel for them."
Now Louisiana Tech will have a chance to reach the postseason as the winner of the WAC Tournament receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. It is a new goal for the Lady Techsters who have already achieved their goal with a week left in the regular season.
"We want to play a significant part of the tournament, and not just be happy to be there," Sherry said. "This experience will set the foundation for loftier goals to be set by future teams here at Tech. It's a proud day, a very proud day."
Tickets for the WAC Tournament are on sale now through the LA Tech ticket office.
| All-Session | Single-Session | |
| Adults | $10 | $5 | |
| Students (w/valid student ID) | $5 | | |
| 18 and under | Free | | |
Match Times:
Thursday, November 4
Quarterfinals
Match 1 - 12:30 p.m.
Match 2 - 3:00 p.m.
Friday, November 5
Semifinals
Match 3 - 12:30 p.m.
Match 4 - 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 7
Finals
Match 5 - 1:00 p.m.
Note: Match times listed are Central Time.
