RUSTON – With the temperature cracking 100 degrees on a hot and humid Sunday afternoon, Louisiana Tech pitched a 1-0 shutout victory over in-state foe McNeese State at Robert Mack Caruthers Field.
 
LA Tech (2-1-1) was in control for much of the match, surrendering just six shot attempts in route to its first blanking of an opponent this season.
 
The Bulldogs had a couple of early chances in the six-yard box with shots on goal from Carmen Suarez and Josie Studer, but neither resulted in a goal. 
 
Much of LA Tech's opportunities came in the second period after both teams went scoreless through the first 45 minutes.  The Bulldogs were finally able to break through in the 56th minute when some fancy dribbling by Avery Kyle out wide resulted in a low boomer on goal.  The ball was saved by the Cowgirls' Briana O'Dell, but Lauren Egbuloniu made a charge to the far post, tapping in the deflection.
 
McNeese (1-3-0) rarely threatened, generating just two shots on goal that were saved by freshman Emma Duguay who made her first collegiate start in net.

Avery starts it. Lauren finishes it.

🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/MS4ywxJP5l

— LA Tech Soccer ⚽ (@LATechSOC) August 27, 2023

 
QUOTABLES
Head coach Steve Voltz
 
Overall statement…
"We took care of our bodies over the weekend in preparation for the heat.  We played it smart and kept possession.  We let the ball do a lot of work for us to save our legs.  We used the most players that we have all year, rotating in and out.  We gave a couple of freshmen that did well.  I wish we would have put the game away a little earlier.  That is still something that is haunting us because we are creating chances."
 
Assessment of team four matches in…
"We split on the road and are undefeated at home.  We are not satisfied with the way we are playing.  We still think we have more to give out there."
 
On Avery Kyle's return…
"This is the Avery we recruited.  Her freshman year was solid, but then the timing of her ACL was tough.  She got it in the spring and did not play all year.  And she never got her legs under her this past spring.  Now, we can really see her enjoying the game and creating opportunities out wide."
 
NOTABLES

• With the victory, LA Tech now leads the all-time series over McNeese, 6-5-0. The Bulldogs improved to 5-1 versus the Cowgirls in Ruston.
• LA Tech extended its home undefeated streak to five matches.
• Sophie Fijneman was the lone non-goalkeeper to play the full 90 minutes for the Bulldogs. The defender has played every minute this season.
• Lauren Egbuloniu notched her seventh career goal and her fourth career game-winning goal.
• Avery Kyle registered an assist for the second straight game.
• Ella White, Madita Ehrig, and Emma Duguay made their first career starts at LA Tech.

UP NEXT
LA Tech goes back on the road to face Baylor on Thursday, Aug. 31.  Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. and will be streamed live on ESPN+.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
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