RUSTON – Louisiana Tech (2-10-1, 1-2-0 CUSA) dropped Thursday night's match to the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (5-4-1, 2-0-1 CUSA), 1-0, at The Mack.
 
The two sides battled through a scoreless first half, with WKU primarily on the attack leading with eight shot attempts and two on target. The Bulldogs managed four attempts but were unable to put their shots in frame.
 
The Bulldogs found opportunities in the final 45 minutes, adding six shots with two in frame throughout a battle of possession in a fixture where neither side had found the back of the net yet.
 
With the match reaching the 81st-minute mark, a Hilltopper forward dribbled down to the back line of their attacking end before sending a cross into the box. The ball ricocheted off a Bulldog defender in the box and into the back of the net for an unfortunate own-goal for the home side.
 
Abby Hanton and Annie Meador each tied a match high with three shots apiece in the contest. Five Tech starters saw the pitch for the full 90 while Ashley Leonhart added two attempts in 62 minutes off the bench.
 
Ansley Ittel was called on early as a substitute after an injury in the sixth minute, collecting three saves in 85 minutes.
 
The Bulldogs conclude their two-match homestand on Sunday, October 5 with the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at The Mack. First touch is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT.
 
Head Coach Steve Voltz following Thursday's match:
"Obviously, a disappointing way to lose a game on an own-goal when our women work so hard. I feel for the player, but obviously our thoughts are with Madeline Gray, who had to go to the ER. She got a cleat around her face during a collision, so hopefully we can find out some good news here pretty soon. But at the end of the day, that's what it's all about—you make sure you look after each other, after your teammates. We competed well. At the end of the day, we have to do better upfront. We had a couple of looks, and we have to put them away. But other than that, our women will show. They'll be there ready at training tomorrow, and they'll be ready against Middle Tennessee on Sunday. They're resilient and they'll put forth the best effort they can."
 
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