Toler collects three saves, earns first shutout of season

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – Tennessee Tech's back line turned in a strong performance Friday evening as the Golden Eagles played Louisiana Tech to a 0-0 tie through 110 minutes of soccer at the Adidas Gamecock Soccer Classic at Jacksonville State.

Tech defenders Lindsey Reed, Leigh Heffner, Taylor Hicks and Julie Thompson played every minute of action and held the Techsters to just three shots on goal for the game.

Louisiana Tech's defense turned in an equally strong performance, however, also holding the Golden Eagles to three shots on goal. LA Tech held the advantage in total shots, firing 17 compared to just six for Tennessee Tech.

The shutout was the first of the season for TTU goalkeeper Becca Toler, the reigning Ohio Valley Conference Goalkeeper of the Week, who notched three saves.

Friday marked the second consecutive year the two squads had played a match that went into overtime – TTU came out on the losing end of a 3-2 sudden-death affair in Cookeville last season.

The Golden Eagles outshot LA Tech 5-4 in the first half, but were held without a shot in the second while Louisiana Tech fired off 10. TTU took two shots in the first overtime period and one in the second while the Techsters fired three shots in the second sudden-death frame.

Sophomore forward Ellie Iaciofano had the first shot on goal of the match for TTU in the 17^th minute and Leigh Heffner took the second just before halftime. Iaciofano had TTU's final shot on goal of the match in the 91^st minute.

Louisiana Tech had what was perhaps the best scoring opportunity of the game in the 75^th minute when an Abby Sentz shot hit post.

With the tie, Tennessee Tech moves to 2-2-1 on the season while Louisiana Tech goes to 3-1-2.

The Golden Eagles return to action Sunday, taking on New Mexico State at the Adidas Gamecock Soccer Classic. Start time is set for noon CDT.