SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Louisiana Tech women's soccer team got its three-game road stretch off on the right foot, more specifically the foot of junior Kaylee Zettler, who delivered the game-winner in a 1-0 victory over Missouri State on Wednesday night at the Betty and Bobby Allison South Stadium.
 
Zettler's goal – third of the season – in the first period was enough scoring for LA Tech (4-1-0) who registered its third straight victory, and third straight shutout, as junior keeper Carlotta Cartelli and the defense stood strong against the defending Missouri Valley Conference champions MSU (3-3-0). 
 
"It was a very intense match tonight," head coach Kevin Sherry said.  "Missouri State is a physical team who has a direct style of play.  I am very proud of our team for meeting that physical challenge and not wilting under the pressure.  We were almost faultless at the back. 
 
"We had few scoring opportunities, but when we had our best chance of the game we took advantage of it."
 
An example of just how physical it was from the start was the Bears Jordan Eickelman receiving a yellow card just three minutes into the match. 
 
The first shot attempt for either team did not come until the 16th minute when sophomore Amber Posthauer sent the ball wide of the post. 
 
LA Tech's second shot attempt was on target though.  Junior Kaylee Zettler subbed into the game in the 23rd minute and four minutes later connected with a great volley finish at the far post after an excellent cross from the left by senior Mylene Roy-Ouellet. 
 
The Bears could only muster one more misfired shot in the first period as the Lady Techsters to a 1-0 lead into halftime. 
 
LA Tech would come under a lot of pressure in the second half, including a barrage of constant long balls mixed with tough challenges, but the organization and concentration was on point to keep MSU off the scoreboard. 
 
This now marks the first time since 2015 that the Lady Techsters have recorded back-to-back-to-back shutouts.  In net for all three have been Cartelli who finished with four saves, three in the second period, while collecting career shutout No. 7 which ties for the fourth most in program history.  
 
Assisting on defense were senior Makenna Johnson, senior and reigning C-USA Defensive Player of the Week Nomvula Kgoale, junior Jaelyn Peeples and sophomore Elizabeth Doll who all played the full 90 minutes.  Johnson made her return to the back line after missing the last two games due to injury. 
 
Missouri State held a 9-6 shot advantage in the match.  Roy-Ouellet and Posthauer each recorded two shot attempts apiece to lead the way for the Lady Techsters.
 
LA Tech returns to action on Friday, Aug. 31 when they travel to take on Western Illinois.  Kickoff is set for 5 p.m.
 
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