Golden Eagles return to action Friday at Jacksonville State

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Tech used a strong defensive performance to go toe-to-toe with defending Ohio Valley Conference champion Morehead State in the first half of Sunday's match, but the Eagles got the better of TTU in the second period, leaving Tech Soccer Field with a 1-0 victory.

The Golden Eagles and Eagles finished the first 45 minutes of play even in most statistical categories, but Morehead quickly went on the attack early in the second, scoring the only goal of the match in the 51^st minute.

Stephanie Gildehaus placed a corner kick into a crowd in front of the Tech goal and Elizabeth Tresnak booted it into the back of the net to give Morehead a 1-0 lead.

Tech held the Eagles scoreless for the rest of the match but couldn't generate a goal of its own despite several chances.

The Golden Eagles' best scoring opportunity came in the 74^th minute when a Sarah Gawthrop shot hit the crossbar, just inches from sailing through to tie the game.

Tech had several big defensive plays throughout the game, with one of the most significant coming in the 38^th minute when junior defender Julie Thompson, playing close to the goal, booted away a ball headed for the back of the net, preserving the scoreless tie at halftime.

The Golden Eagles took eight shots on the afternoon, six of which were on goal. Tech earned five corner kicks and got nine saves from sophomore goalkeeper Becca Toler.

Morehead finished with 20 shots, 10 of which were on goal. The Eagles earned 10 corner kicks and got six saves from goalkeeper Katie Blevins.

Tech will return to action on Friday, Oct. 7 at Jacksonville State. Match time is 7 p.m.