GSU defeats Nicholls; Tech ties Cajuns

Grambling State soccer won again on the road, this time against Nicholls in a 2-0 shutout on Sunday. With the win, the Lady Tigers improved to 2-0-1 on the season while Nicholls fell to 0-1-1.

Forward Jayla Gage, a transfer from Troy University, scored one goal in the 23rd minute assisted by midfielder Morgan Johnson. It was Gage’s team- leading third goal of the season.

Freshman forward Alana Aiken scored her first goal of the season in the 24th minute, with an assist from her fellow freshman, Kennedy Farr.

Madison Covey-Taylor had three saves on the day in the second half. She and redshirtfreshman Kaia Bace split time in the goal.

GSU hasn’t allowed a goal in the early goings of the season.

Head coach Justin Wager commended his team for their defensive performance.

“ I’m proud of our team’s defensive effort – three shutouts in a row. The team battled today and finished our chances early,” Wager said. “We still need to learn to hold the ball better and control the tempo of the game.”

GSU heads to Monroe to face off against ULM on Thursday. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m.

TECH

The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs wrapped up their two- game road trip with a 0-0 tie against UL-Lafayette on Sunday thanks to an impressive 10-save night from goalkeeper Sarah Melén.

In a defensive battle, Tech recorded seven shots, while ULL pro-duced 20 including 10 shots on goal.

“I think we are looking for our identity as a team, and we just have to find a way to breakthrough upfront and score,” said Head Coach Steve Voltz.

Defender Dakato Merino and midfielder Taylor Cassidy led Tech in shots with two apiece. Forwards Avery Kyle, Kyra Taylor, and Maeva Costenaro also had shots against ULL as well.

Freshmen Annie Meador and Mary Helen Burford played the full 90 minutes for Tech on the back line, while Olivia Ewing saw 28 minutes.

“It was a gutsy performance for our girls tonight, with three freshmen playing on the back line while two played the full 90,” Voltz said.

Melén played lights out in her debut, stopping 8 shots including a pair from point-blank range.

Tech will have its home opener against South Alabama on Thursday at 7 p.m.