Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications
The 19th season of Louisiana Tech Women’s Soccer begins on Thursday night when the Lady Techsters play their 2022 season opener at Robert Mack Caruthers Field against Murray State at 7 p.m.
The match will be the first for head coach Steve Voltz after having the interim tag removed following the 2021 season.
MATCH INFORMATION
Date/Time: Thursday, Aug. 18 | 7 p.m.
Location: Robert Mack Caruthers Field (Ruston, La.)
Series: Murray State leads 2-1
Tickets: LATechSports.com/Tickets
Live Stats: LATechSports.com/Stats
Live Stream: CUSA.tv
ABOUT LA TECH
After on-boarding half of their 36-player roster a year ago, the Techsters welcome only three incoming freshmen to a trimmed-down squad featuring 18 letterwinners from the 2021 campaign.
Tech is once again anchored by Second Team All-Conference USA and All-Louisiana defender and captain Josie Studer Studer returns as Tech’s last season leader in minutes (1,399), games started (16) goals (4), and points (9).
LA Tech also returns their next three highest minute-getters from 2021 in defender Laura Ogando (1,344), goalkeeper Libe Banuelos (1,195), and midfielder Tomoyo Kuroyanagi (1,084).
Junior Captain Emma Jones is also making her return after suffering a season-ending injury after just six games last season. In her six starts, Jones scored one goal and had four assists including a program-tying single-game record with three assists against Louisiana College.
The roster once again features a ton of international flare on the squad with players from Norway, Spain, Sweden, Japan, the Netherlands, Australia, Ireland, Germany, and Canada.
LA Tech is 12-6-0 all-time in season openers including a perfect 5-0-0 mark in season openers at home and is looking for their second win in a row after ending its 2021 season on a high note with a 4-0 victory over FIU in Miami.
Tech’s 2022 preseason slate featured exhibition wins over ULM and ETBU in which the Techsters did not concede a goal.
ABOUT MURRAY STATE
Murray State comes into 2022 after a 9-8-1 campaign from last season where they were red hot at home (7-2-0) but only 2-6-1 on the road.
Murray State finished with a 4-3-1 Ohio Valley Conference record but fell in the quarterfinals of the conference tournament to Tennessee Tech.
The Racers are set to now compete in the Missouri Valley Conference beginning this season.
Murray State comes into Thursday’s regular-season opener after two scoreless draws in exhibition matchups with Western Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
THE SERIES
LA Tech and Murray State’s last meeting came a year ago in Murray, Ky. with The Racers taking the match 3-2 with the game-winner coming in the 64th minute.
Murray State leads the all-time series 2-1-0.
This will be the first-ever meeting between the two programs in Ruston, although not the first scheduled match. The last two times The Racers were scheduled to visit Ruston the games were canceled due to weather.
TICKETS
Season tickets are $50 while single-game tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for youth (ages 4-17). All tickets are general admission in the new facility with stands comprised of bleacher-style seating with backs.
Season and single-game tickets can be purchased now at LATechSports.com/tickets or by calling the LA Tech Ticket Office at (318) 257-3631. Single-game tickets can also be purchased on a walk-up basis with gates opening one hour prior to the matches.
STADIUM POLICIES/PARKING
Clear bags are required at all Louisiana Tech athletic events. Fans must sit in the stands and cannot be on the field, on the grass hill, or the sidewalks.
Parking is free and available alongside Stadium Blvd. as well as west of Dr. Billy Bundrick Field. To access the field, fans will enter the main entrance of the Soccer/Softball complexes and go up the steps on the southwest corner of Robert Mack Caruthers Field. An elevator is available for ADA fans or those who do not believe they can get up the stairs. Fans are encouraged to read the Gameday A-Z Guide and review the Clear Bag Policy for any questions regarding the gameday experience.
