RUSTON, La. - The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs wrapped up the weekend with a shutout victory over Arkansas State. A second half goal from Dakota Merino helped the Tech defeat the Red Wolves 1-0 on a Sunday afternoon at Robert Mack Caruthers Field. 

In the first half, Tech came out attacking after putting nine shots up and three corners compared to Arkansas State's three shots and two corners. Defender Kalli Matlock fired off four shots against Arkansas State. In the first 15 minutes of the contest, Madita Ehrig, Madison Pensom, and Maeva Costenaro took shots but could not force them into the net. Forward Charlie Cooper and Merino collected shots but could not capitalize on their opportunities.

Later in the second half, Tech would not slow down the attack after Merino netted a long goal free-kick in the 51st minute, putting the Bulldogs up 1-0. 

"She has a foot her. She is comfortably growing into her playing center back. I am more impressed with her defensive performance but happy she scored a goal as well," Voltz said. 

Merino has now scored two goals via free kick for Louisiana Tech this season while having a career-high seven shots taken. Tech totaled eight more shots in the second half, in which the Bulldogs outshot Arkansas State 17-8.

"Extremely gutsy and gritty performance today against an outstanding Arkansas State, previously unbeaten and unscored on, considering that we had three starters out before the game while losing more players during the game. They made plays when they had to and did a good job in possession of the ball today. It was an incredible team performance even, with the amount of freshmen we had playing," Voltz said. 


UP NEXT 
The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs will wrap up this five-game homestand with a pivotal against an SEC opponent in Mississippi State. The contest between Mississippi State and Louisiana Tech will be on Thursday at 6 p.m. in Robert Mack Caruthers Field and will be televised on ESPN+. 

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