HAMMOND, La. – Scoring chances were few and far between for both Louisiana Tech and Southeastern Louisiana in the 2019 season opener, but Elizabeth Doll struck early in the second half with a diving header to help give the Lady Techsters a 1-0 shutout win on Friday night inside Strawberry Stadium.
 
The two teams combined for just three shot attempts in the first half.  Yet, three minutes into the second period the upperclassmen combo of Jaelyn Peeples and Doll connected for what would be the game-winning goal.
 
"It was an early season, scrappy game which is normal," said head coach Kevin Sherry.  "The technical side of the game was very difficult to master for both sides and we couldn't execute the last pass.  But, we will take the win on the road.  We had to rely on the old one-two punch with Lizzie getting on the end of a Jaelyn free kick, our go-to combination, and it was a great diving header finish."
 
The first 45 minutes was a struggle for LA Tech (1-0) and SLU (0-1), playing on the fast turf and unable to generate many scoring opportunities in the attacking third.
 
The sequence to the game-winner in the 48th minute started near the left sideline as Connor Barker dispossessed an SLU player and was then taken down, awarding the Lady Techsters a free kick.
 
Peeples, as she so often does, took the free kick.  And from about 30 yards away, the midfielder sent the ball to the top of the keeper box which is where Doll, after timing her run perfectly, raced forward and sent the beautiful diving header into the back of the net.
 
LA Tech continued to use its strong defense the rest of the way.  The home team was only able to muster two shot attempts in the final 30 minutes of action.  With the final 10 minutes being chaotic as usual, holding on to a 1-0 lead, SLU had its lone shot on goal taken in the 86th minute. 
 
Goalkeeper Carlotta Cartelli was up for the challenge though, registering her only save of the night to pitch the shutout.  It marked her eighth career shutout as a Lady Techster. 
 
Both squads took five shot attempts on the night.  The Lady Techsters did hold a 2-1 edge on corner kicks.
 
LA Tech will have one day off before playing four road matches in four days, starting on Sunday, Aug. 25 at Alcorn State.  Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.
 
For all the latest in LA Tech Soccer, follow them on Twitter (@LATechSOC), Instagram (@LATechSOC) and Facebook (LATechSoccer) or visit the official website at LATechSports.com.
 
GAME NOTES

• With the win, LA Tech extends its unbeaten streak to seven games (dating back to last season).
• LA Tech now leads the all-time series versus SLU, 4-2-0.The Lady Techsters have won three straight meetings and four of the last five.
• This marked the fifth straight season-opening win for LA Tech.The Lady Techsters are now 5-5-1 in season openers on the road.
• Making their first starts for LA Tech were Josie Studer (freshman), Hayley Krahenbil (freshman) and Autumn Woodard (junior).
• Senior Midfielder Jaelyn Peeples made her 60th career start.
• Elizabeth Doll netted her seventh career goal, most of any player on the team.It was also her third career game-winning goal.
• Carlotta Cartelli recorded her eighth career shutout which is the fourth most in program history.
• Jaelyn Peeples notched her 14th career assist which is tied for the fifth most in program history.