JONESBORO, Ark. -- Olivia Lukasewich’s goal with just under four minutes to play proved to be the difference in Sunday’s match as Louisiana Tech defeated Arkansas State 1-0 in front of 425 fans at ASU Soccer Park.

Tech’s win improves its record to 2-0-0 on the young season, while Arkansas State drops to 1-1-0.

“I am very proud of how our defense played today,” Tech head coach Kevin Sherry said. “They defended the long, high ball very well and that is a great step forward for our program. Olivia’s goal was a beautiful finish, but Kiva [Gresham] provided her with a great ball. I’m happy with the win, but I have to admit Arkansas State could have won. We have a lot of hard work ahead of us.

“Today’s match was not a very technical game. It was more of a direct, aggressive style of game, which we adapted to and did okay. We lacked senior leadership as a result of Kat [McCullough] being sick and only playing a short period of time. We were unable to calm ourselves down in the first half, and I spoke to the team about that at halftime.”

With the match tied 0-0 at the 86th-minute mark, captain Kiva Gresham placed a well-struck ball to Lukasewich who chipped it over Arkansas State’s oncoming goalkeeper for her second goal of the season. The goal proved to be her second game-winning goal of the year as she scored the game-winner in Tech’s 3-2 double overtime win over Lamar Aug. 21.

“I can’t take all of the credit,” Lukasewich said. “Kiva gave me a great pass and I was able to finish the play. It didn’t matter that I was the one that scored, I’m just glad we won. Our team is meshing really well right now. Everyone is stepping up. This was an important win for us.”

Lady Techster goalkeeper Cat Buchanan recorded four saves on the day en route to her first shutout of the season. Last year, the Shawnee, Kan. native posted five shutouts, a Tech single-season record.

“Cat faced several long-range shots,” Sherry said. “She did a great job of controlling our defenders and has made a huge improvement in that area compared to last season.”

Tech and Arkansas State both finished with 10 shots. Lukasewich and Gresham accounted for three shots a piece. Gresham nearly gave her team its first goal of the match in the 61st-minute, but the ball hit the crossbar.

Tech will now return home and begin preparations for its match against Prairie View A&M Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 5 p.m. at the Lady Techster Soccer Field.