Tech can't overcome early deficit, fall to UT Martin 2-1 in OVC tourney

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- Ashley Smith 's goal in the 70th minute put the Tennessee Tech soccer team on a comeback course, but the Golden Eagles could not overcome an early 2-0 deficit and fell in a road match at UT Martin Tuesday afternoon in the opening round of the 2008 Ohio Valley Conference tournament.

With the loss, Tech's eighth one-goal loss in 2008. the Golden Eagles saw their first season under head coach Becky Fletcher come to a close.

Tech ends the year with a 5-14-1 overall record.

After the host Skyhawks had scored goals in the 18th and 34th minutes of the first half to build the 2-0 lead, the Golden Eagles contolled the tempo but could not muster enough offense to tie the contest.

Kaitlyn Thacker, named earlier in the day as the OVC Keeper of the Week, had five saves in the match at UTM
With 20 minutes to play, Smith netted a goal with assists from Lia DiGrappa and Tara Mahan, to make it 2-1. The No. 3 seeded Skyhawks thwarted the No. 6 seeded Golden Eagles over the final 20 minutes to advance to the semifinals on Friday.

Freshman goalkeeper Kaitlyn Thacker, named earlier in the day as the OVC Keeper of the Week, made five saves in the match.