Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications
The Bulldogs (1-2-1) fell to the South Alabama Jaguars (2-1-0), 2-0, at The Cage in Mobile, Alabama on Sunday afternoon.
LA Tech was held to just two shots through the first 45 minutes while the Jaguars were able to get off nine shots with two being saved by redshirt senior keeper Cadence Rutledge.
Sophomore midfielder Maeva Costenaro took the first attempt for the ‘Dogs that went off-target to the right side early in the 12th minute before sophomore midfielder Annie Meador put Tech’s first shot in frame with just under five minutes left in the first half.
South Alabama came out with a more aggressive attack in the second half, swiftly getting four shots up through the first 10 minutes with one on goal. Freshman forward Reagan Roberts found a good opportunity for the first score of the afternoon but ended up in the hands of South Alabama’s keeper in the 59th minute.
The Bulldogs countered at the end of the 63rd minute, taking a series of shots yet the Jaguars keeper held strong and kept Tech’s attack at bay.
South Alabama forced a turnover in the Bulldogs’ attacking third with just under 25 minutes left, driving the ball down the field before Ava Matherne put the Jaguars in front in the 67th minute.
The Jaguars took advantage of a misplayed ball in their attacking end and took an open shot in the 71st minute but failed to double the advantage as the attempt sailed over the crossbar.
South Alabama broke through just a minute later after a corner service deflected in the box and ended up in the back of the net following a header from the Jaguars’ Bonnie Frost for the brace, doubling South Alabama’s advantage.
Sophomore forward Grace Clay found herself with an opportunity to put the ‘Dogs on the board in the 76th minute, but her shot was unluckily caught by the South Alabama keeper.
Senior captain midfielder Madita Ehrig made her first appearance of the season, playing 12 minutes off the bench. Six different Bulldogs took a shot with Meador and Ashley Leonhart leading the team with two shots each. Meador put both of her shots on target, tying for a match high.
Sophomore defender Mary Helen Burford and freshman defender Alexe Drolet each clocked 73 minutes, while junior captain forward Madison Pensom was the only Bulldog besides Rutledge to play at least 80 minutes in Sunday’s match.
LA Tech allowed 10 corners, which is the most they’ve allowed in a single match this season after conceding eight corners in their 2-0 shutout win over UL-Lafayette.
The Bulldogs continue their road trip to Norman, Oklahoma to face the Oklahoma Sooners on Thursday, August 28 at 7 p.m. CT. The match will be streamed on SEC Network+.
