No. 24 Tech Ends Non-Conference Play with Sixth Shutout

Sunday, September 16

Los Angeles, Calif.

3:00 P.M.

Texas Tech Athletics

8-1-0

Loyola Marymount

2-6-2

Texas Tech

Loyola Marymount

No. 24 Tech Ends Non-Conference Play with Sixth Shutout

September 16, 2018 | Women's Soccer

Box Score

Red Raiders take out Loyola Marymount, head to Big 12 play after going 8-1-0 in non-conference.

By: Jeremy O'Brien

LOS ANGELES – A set-piece goal from Jordan Duke and an 87^th-minute dagger from Kirsten Davis sent Texas Tech past Loyola Marymount, 2-0, Sunday and into Big 12 play after winning eight of nine non-conference matches. The Red Raiders posted their second straight shutout to round out a five-day, two-match trip to southern California.

"Most importantly, we just got a good road win against a team that had a definite plan to get behind the ball and slow us down and make it difficult, and we weathered that on their field," said head coach Tom Stone.

The Red Raiders and Lions spent the better part of the first half Sunday feeling each other out, with neither quite finding a rhythm. After twenty minutes, LMU had the game's only shot. Over the next 12 minutes, though, Tech would rattle off five shots – three of which were taken by Jade King, whose two goals Thursday put her atop the Big 12 in the category. At the half, the Red Raiders and their opponent were scoreless for just the second time all season. Tech did not find the back of the net despite outshooting the Lions, 7-1.

The Red Raiders picked up the momentum after the break, showing more control over possession and stringing together more passes that would lead to more scoring opportunities. Tech had three corners in the first half, but it was on their only corner of the second half that they would erase the goose egg on the scoreboard, thanks to Jordan Duke off a corner from Brooke Denesik. The serve from Denesik landed right at the near-side of the six, where a sprinting Duke headed it off the LMU keeper's outstretched hand and into the back of the net. The score was Duke's second of the season and third of her career. For Denesik, the assist marked just the second of her career. Both of Duke's scores this year have been game-winners.

"She just attacked the ball as it hit near post and outjumped one of their taller players," Stone recalled. "For someone who is 5-foot-5 on a good day, she jumps like she's 6-foot-2."

For Texas Tech, converting on corners has been a focus. Duke's goal and other recent conversions have provided encouragement as the team continues to become stronger on set plays.

"We've had several players get their head on the ball inside the penalty area," assistant coach Nick Hallam said after Thursday's match. "The ball is arriving in the right place, and we're getting our runs there. The final piece is just getting the right touch to put it in the goal."

Now in control, the Red Raiders forced the Lions to press forward for the equalizer. The open field left LMU with one too few defenders marking Kirsten Davis, who would split the defense and put the game on ice with an 87^th-minute insurance goal. Davis' score brought her season goal total to three.

"They threw the kitchen sink at us and we weathered the storm," said Stone. "That's the way it's supposed to end: when the other team goes for it, you're supposed to be able to counter and put them away. Kirsten Davis had a great finish, and it was game over at that point."

Not to be lost in the victory is sophomore Marissa Zucchetto being in net for her Big 12-leading sixth shutout of the season. Zucchetto, who picked up her 10^th career win last weekend against Oregon State, has made 13 saves. Zucchetto plays behind an experienced back line that has allowed just one goal every three matches – the best mark in the conference.

"It's impressive to watch them and see how committed they are to defend," said assistant coach Gibbs Keeton of the back line. "That's a shout out to our strength staff, too, because our fitness is great and everybody is pressing and they're able to do it for the full time. When they're called upon, our six in the back are there to do their job."

According to Keeton, the lack of opponent goals can especially be chalked up to Zucchetto's growth as a leader in net.

"I definitely think [the shutouts] stem from Zucchetto really making the box her own and having a leadership role within the back line," said Keeton. "Getting shutouts and making big saves enhances a goalkeeper's ability. It just goes forward from there."

Texas Tech's focus quickly turns to their Big 12 opener, which will be against perennial conference power West Virginia. The Red Raiders will take on the Mountaineers at home on Friday, with first touch scheduled for 7:15 p.m.