PINE BLUFF, Ark. – On a steamy Monday afternoon at the Pumphrey Soccer Complex, the Louisiana Tech Soccer team downed Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 3-0, for its third straight shutout victory.
 
LA Tech (3-0) picked up two goals in the first period from senior Alexandra LeBlanc and freshman Alpine Williams.  The Lady Techsters tacked on another goal about midway through the second period thanks to sophomore Autumn Woodard.
 
The defense did the rest, holding UAPB (1-2) to just six shot attempts.  Three came on goal and all three were saved by freshman Katie Cook who made her collegiate debut.
 
"A lot of credit must go to coach Winzer and UAPB who were well organized and committed," said head coach Kevin Sherry.  "It was a mixed bag of a performance, some good and some mistakes which we shouldn't be making.  It was extremely hot and that must have been difficult for the players to cope with, but they coped well enough.
 
"After three games, we are starting to see our best starting 11 emerge from the group and we are happy with that 11.  The next three games will be a chance to evaluate those who have the ability to come off the bench and contribute."
 
LA Tech got on the scoreboard in the 18th minute when Woodard sent a shot that was saved by the opposing keeper, but LeBlanc was there to clean up the rebound and score from eight yards out at the far post.
 
Another 18 minutes went by which is the point when the Lady Techsters made it 2-0.  It was a double assist as senior Jaelyn Peeples sent a long ball down the left side where LeBlanc received it and then crossed it to Williams who scored with the volley finish. 
 
With the heat beating down on the players, LA Tech managed to add another insurance goal in the second period.  At the 61-minute mark, sophomore Connor Barker delivered a long throw-in from the left to Woodard who turned and volleyed the ball into the net from seven yards away.
 
LA Tech ended up with 11 shots on goal as well as seven corner kicks.  Cook made all three of her saves in the second 45 minutes of action.
 
Next up on the schedule for LA Tech is a road matchup against LSU-Alexandria on Tuesday.  Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m.
 
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