GRAMBLING, La. – Louisiana Tech and Grambling State were both trying to net the golden goal in overtime, but darkness crept in and the match was stopped after the first OT period, ending in a 1-1 draw on Wednesday at the GSU Soccer Complex.
 
After a first half that saw only five combined shots taken, the defensive battle finally gave way in the second half when Sophie Fijneman netted a penalty kick to put LA Tech (8-0-1) on the scoreboard. 
 
Grambling State (3-3-1), a squad that had already beaten in-state foes ULM and Northwestern State in its backyard, would equalize a few minutes later on a set piece. 
 
The tiring match would end in a tie, the first one of the season for the Lady Techsters.  It was also the first time in 12 meetings against the Lady Tigers that a match ended in a draw. 
 
This concludes a tough non-conference slate for LA Tech, having played nine games in the span of 19 days with eight of those coming on the road.
 
"Grambling is a very physical team so coming out of it without any injuries was important," said head coach Kevin Sherry.  "We were able to dominate much of the second half, but we should have finished more of our opportunities to make the game safe.
 
"We now get a well-deserved break where we can rest and prepare for conference play."
 
Even though Autumn Woodard was not able to extend her goal streak to eight games, she was a big reason why LA Tech earned the penalty kick in the 66th minute. 
 
The sophomore striker ran down a ball from Connor Barker and was able to get it, but the opposing keeper tripped her inside the box after coming off her line.  And for a second consecutive game, Fijneman stepped up and converted the PK.
 
The lead was short-lived though as GSU took advantage of a foul at midfield.  Stevie Maddox sent the long ball off the set piece straight at goal.  Goalkeeper Katie Cook came off her line to punch it out, but got stuck in traffic and the ball grazed off her hands and into the back of the net. 
 
The remainder of the match was frantic, especially in the first OT period when the Lady Techsters had three straight corner kick chances but could not come away with a goal. 
 
The head referee stopped the game in the 100th minute at around 7:40 p.m. as the facility did not have lights.
 
Woodard, Barker and Elizabeth Doll each had two shot attempts in the match.  Cook was credited with three saves in her second career start. 
 
LA Tech will have 10 days off before beginning Conference USA play on Sunday, Sept. 22 versus UAB.  Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Ruston Junior High School.
 
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