EL PASO, Texas – Louisiana Tech and UTEP needed more than 90 minutes to decide the result of the Conference USA opener. 
 
After the teams swapped goals off corner kicks, the Lady Techsters ended up dropping the match, 2-1, with the Miners scoring the game-winner in the extra-frame on Sunday afternoon at University Field.
 
UTEP (2-2-1, 1-0 C-USA) got on the scoreboard first midway through the first period and the home Miners hung on to that lead for over 65 minutes until LA Tech (6-3, 0-1 C-USA) equalized. 
 
Both teams had scoring opportunities in OT, but UTEP struck six minutes deep into the added period.
 
"El Paso is always a difficult place to go to and today the ladies gave everything they had to give, but it just was not our day today," said head coach Kevin Sherry.  "We struggled some with the altitude and tiredness ended up playing a factor. 
 
"We got bullied at the corner for the first goal which was disappointing.  And in overtime, we got caught ball watching and were punished for it.  The game was there to be won.  Luckily, we have a game tomorrow to put today behind us and look to move forward in our development."
 
LA Tech had four shot attempts in the first half, three coming on goal by Sophie Fijneman, Amber Posthauer and Gabrielle Parent, but the opposing keeper saved all three.
 
UTEP had the same number of shots in the period, but connected on the lone shot on goal.  It came in the 26th minute when Kam Fisher sent the free kick up the end line into the six.  The ball cleared the defense and found Emerson Kidd who put the chest volley from close range into the back of the net.
 
The Lady Techsters nearly equalized in the 79th minute when Tomoyo Kuroyanagi made a move around her defender, found space and let it rip by the keeper managed to push the ball over the crossbar.
 
Two minutes later though, the equalizer came.  Fijneman drilled the corner kick with her left foot into the six where Klesha Darroux climbed over her man-marked defender and drilled the header in for the goal.
 
It marked the third time this season the two players have teamed up for a goal.  For Darroux, it was her team-leading third goal of the season.  For Fijneman, it was her team-leading third assist. 
 
It was back and forth with scoring chances in OT.  Kuroyanagi had a breakaway opportunity, but got dispossessed as the last minute before a shot could get taken.  Then the Miners had a breakaway and got a shot off, but Katie Cook won the 1v1 battle with the kick save.
 
Then another opportunity presented itself for LA Tech as Elizabeth Doll came into the attacking third from the back line and sent a sliding shot at goal that was saved.
 
The seesaw battle continued, and in the 96th minute Tessa Carlin was the recipient of a through ball, got behind the defense and knocked the game-winner into the upper-right corner.
 
LA Tech finished with eight shot attempts from six different players.  Cook registered three saves in net.
 
The team will travel to Abilene, Texas to face McMurry on Monday.  Kickoff is set for 12 p.m.
 
For all the latest in LA Tech Soccer, follow them on Twitter (@LATechSOC), Instagram (@LATechSOC) and Facebook (LATechSoccer).