LaDuke Powers Blue Raiders Past Memphis, 2-1

LaDuke erased a 1-0 lead in the 75th minute when she rebounded her initial shot that was saved and put it back in the back of the net. The senior forward scored the game winner with less than 40 seconds remaining when she took a pass from Debs Brereton and beat the Memphis keeper Natlie Haerens at the bottom right of the net to send the Tigers (2-1) to their first loss.

Not only did LaDuke enjoy a stellar afternoon in equaling her total numbers of goal from all of last season, but she also made a move up the career shots with her strong performance. LaDuke, a senior from Liverpool, N.Y., moved into third place on the all-time points lists at Middle Tennessee with 51, just one off the pace of former Blue Raider Emily Carter. LaDuke also moved into third on the all-time goals lists (22) with her multi-score performance and is just one away from Carter's 23.

"I was happy to be able to contribute and help the team win a well-played game on the road," LaDuke said. "It's been awhile since I had a game like this and it feels good to step up and make plays when the game is on the line. It was a total team effort."

Memphis took a 1-0 lead with 17:06 remaining in the first half when Susannah Dawells scored directly off a corner kick. Haerens, who had registered shutouts in her first two games, fought off numerous Middle Tennessee scoring attempts, before LaDuke scored from point-blank range in the 75th minute to even the score.

Middle Tennessee freshman keeper Jenny Manis, who had six saves, made a sensational defensive play in the 80th minute when she dove outstretched to deny Carla Scanniello on a one-on-one opportunity.

The Blue Raiders broke the 1-1 deadlock in the final minute when LaDuke took a pass through the box from Brereton and beat Haerens to the bottom right to allow Middle Tennessee to split its four games on the road at the outset of the season.

Middle Tennessee outshot the Tigers, 24-11, but only nine of those shots were on goal. The Blue Raider defense continued its strong play, allowing two goals or fewer in three of the first four games, including on two total goals in recent road games at Belmont and Memphis.

Middle Tennessee will play its home opener against David Lipscomb Friday at 4:30 p.m.

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