Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Athletics
Notre Dame
Tech Suffers First Loss at No. 3 Notre Dame
September 05, 2010 | Women's Soccer
Sept. 5, 2010
LUBBOCK, Texas - Third-ranked Notre Dame scored two first half goals and stopped a strong Texas Tech offense to defeat the Red Raiders, 2-0, in the final match of the Inn at Saint Mary's Classic Sunday afternoon at Alumni Stadium.
The loss snapped a five-game winning streak for Tech (5-1) after starting the year with five-consecutive shutouts, its best start in school history.
"I thought it took us a little while to settle down and match the pace of the game so we could find some rhythm in our passes," said head coach Tom Stone. "It's easy to see why Notre Dame is No.3 in the nation. They move the ball well and have the best forwards we have seen by far."
The Irish (4-0) scored their first goal in the 23rd minute as Melissa Henderson nailed the ball into the nets 12 yards out from the right side. In less than a minute later, Notre Dame scored again when Rose Augustin hammered one in from 35 yards that sailed through the top corner of the goal.
"There was no stopping the second goal, an absolute pill of a shot from second distance" stated Stone. "However, I thought we played real well in the second half and were able to apply some pressure of our own. A little more assertiveness in the final third, and I think we could have gotten one back. We really are not interested in moral victories. We are disappointed by the loss and I am proud of how committed we were on the day to win the game."
Senior Colleen Pitts and sophomore Erin Wikelius split time in the nets as Pitts suffered the loss playing the first half allowing two goals and collecting two saves. Wikelius saw her first action of the season as she played the last 45 minutes and tallied two saves.
Notre Dame outshot Tech 19 to 10.
Three Red Raiders were named to the All-Tournament team - junior Taylor Lytle, sophomore Dawn Ward and freshman Hayley Haagsma.
"They (Lytle, Ward, Haagsma) played well and got recognized for it, great for them," Stone said. "I also thought Tiffini (Smith) was one of the best midfielders in the tournament so we had a lot of good performances today. Being exposed to a top five team can only help us. A streak ended today, so now we start another one."
Tech returns home to host the Red Raider Classic Sept. 10 and 12, at the John Walker Soccer Complex. Lamar plays Oral Roberts at 5 p.m. on Fri., Sept. 10, followed by Tech and North Texas at 7:30 p.m. On Sun., Sept. 12, North Texas and Lamar kick-off at 11 a.m., followed by Tech and Oral Roberts at 1:30 p.m.
