RUSTON, La. – Despite a very early goal by Kaylee Davis, the Texas State soccer team fell to Louisiana Tech 2-1 in double overtime at the Lady Techster Soccer Complex Friday night. The match was delayed 35 minutes because of lightning strikes in the area during the middle of warm-ups.
 
The Bobcats start the season 0-1 while the Lady Techsters are 1-0.
 
High pressure by the TXST forwards and attacking midfielders threw the La Tech defenders off balance. The result saw the Lady Techsters pass back into the middle just outside the penalty box that was intercepted by Kaylee Davis. After a touch, the junior send a shot into the left portion of the goal for the opening goal of the match just 49 seconds into the match.
 
In the 15^th minute, Davis had another great look on goal. Unfortunately, her shot was blocked and went over the crossbar for a corner kick.
 
La Tech tied the match at 1-1 early in the 20^th minute. A shot from Mylene Roy-Ouellet was blocked but landed at the feet of Kaylee Zettler. Her crack at goal went just past a diving Heather Martin into the net.
 
Davis had two more great looks at goal in the first half. The Allen, Texas native sent in a shot from 25 yards out that buzzed past the left post in the 32^nd minute. Six minutes later she dribbled through and around a couple of Lady Techster defenders and unleashed a rocket at goal. However, Courtney Tompkins was somehow able to lift the ball over the crossbar.
 
The ensuing corner kick saw Sarah Everett get a head on the ball but it was blocked by Tompkins and cleared away by a La Tech player.
 
Davis had another opportunity to give the Bobcats the lead in the 67^th minute. Her hard strike saw the keeper slide over to make the stop.
 
The final opportunity for Texas State in regulation came with just over two minutes left on the clock. Mackenzie Smith sent in a shot from 25 yards out that sailed over the crossbar.
 
A minute into the second overtime period, Hannah Solano drew a foul to win a free kick from 23 yards out. Sarah Everett sent the free kick towards goal that would have gone in but the keeper was able to get to the ball in time.
 
In the 103^rd minute, the Lady Techsters scored the match-winning goal that began with through ball down the left side. Connor Barker crossed the ball into the box and found Zettler, who struck the ball into the net to end the contest.
 
Davis led all players with five shots and three being on goal. Both Kelly Barbalias and Everett attempted two shots.
 
Heather Martin got the start between the posts and made three saves in the first half. Kathryn Budde stopped a shot over the final 58 minutes of the match.
 
Next up for TXST is the home opener at the Bobcat Soccer Complex against I-35 rival UTSA on Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
 
All home matches for Texas State are free admission. Parking for fans will be available at the Speck Street Parking Garage along with limited spaces southwest of the Soccer Complex except on Aug. 19 against UTSA. Because of new student move-in day taking place around the complex Aug. 18-19, fans are recommended to park along Sessoms Drive Lots R18 and R40.


 
For more information on the Texas State soccer team, visit the official website of Texas State Athletics at www.txstatebobcats.com, like on Facebook at Texas State Soccer and follow on Instagram and Twitter at @TxStateSoccer.