CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Tennessee Tech's junior forward Ellie Iaciofano had never experienced a birthday quite like Sunday's as she recorded a goal and an assist in leading the Golden Eagles to their first win of the season over UT-Chattanooga.
Just two days after ETSU exacted revenge on Tech from a 2011 win over the Lady Bucs, the Golden Eagles flipped the table on Chattanooga following last season's 2-1 loss to the Mocs.
"Anytime you get a win it's nice," said head coach Daniel Brizard. "I thought we bounced back well from Friday's loss. We came out and played hard for 90 minutes, which is what we're looking for every game."
"It was great to get the win," said Iaciofano. "I was glad I could contribute today with the goal and assist Andrea on her goal. I think she and I have been building a good repertoire together and today we were able to make it work well. Hopefully we can continue our success both together and as a team and win some more games this season."
With her first goal of the season, Meloff gained sole possession of 5th place on the Golden Eagle all-time list for career goals scored with 16. Her three points in the match also tied her for seventh on the all-time list for career points.
The Golden Eagles doubled their shots-on-goal figure from their first contest from three to six. The team also reduced its shot total to 10 for the game, earning an impressive shot-on-goal percentage of .600.
"I think the team showed a lot of character and discipline today in coming back from Friday's loss and getting the win. It's always hard to go down to UTC and win. They play on turf and it's always hot, but the girls fought through it."
The defense was impressive as well on the day, blocking three straight shots in the middle of the second half and helping secure the shutout for Brown. Meloff and Iaciofano led the team with three points each.
The Tech soccer team improved to 1-1 on the season while UTC fell to 1-1.
The Golden Eagles will return to action on Friday, August 24, when they travel to North Carolina to take on High Point. The match is set for a 6 p.m. CT start. Tech will wrap up its three-game road trip with a Sunday showdown against the Wildcats of Davidson at 1 p.m. CT.
