LAFAYETTE, La. – Mallory Outerbridge’s goal with just under 20 minutes remaining in the match proved to be the game-winner, as the Lady Toppers defeated Louisiana-Lafayette, 1-0, Friday night in Lafayette, La. The win is the fifth straight for WKU and seventh in the last eight games, moving the team’s record to 11-3-1 overall and 6-1 in Sun Belt Conference play. Louisiana-Lafayette falls to 1-13-1 on the year and 1-6 in the conference.

The shutout victory is the fifth straight for WKU, placing them two behind the school record for most consecutive shutout wins. Libby Stout worked her sixth shutout of the year and 20th of her career in goal, and the Lady Topper defense has now not allowed a goal in the last 450:59 played.

Kelsey Meyer led the Lady Toppers with three shots, and three others fired two shots on the night. Louisiana-Lafayette was paced by Kayla Henrie’s three looks. WKU held a 16-9 shot advantage, with five being on-goal.

The two teams battled back and forth in the first half, with neither team breaking the deadlock. Morgan Thomas started things off with a shot just under four minutes into the match that was saved by Dani Presley in goal. Rachel Friedman and Meyer fired high in the 24th minute, and Kellie Walker had a shot hit the crossbar three minutes later. WKU outshot Louisiana-Lafayette 7-4 in the first half.

It was more of the same in the second half, until Outerbridge scored her fifth goal of the season in the 71st minute to put WKU on the board. The Regina, Saskatchewan, native went on a breakaway down the left sideline and beat the goalkeeper off an assist from Katie Walker. Outerbridge is now tied with Kellie Walker for the team lead in goals. It was the seventh game-winner of her career, putting her alone in fourth place all-time at WKU.

Cayla Chatman tested Stout with a shot with just under two minutes to play in the match, but the sophomore made the save to preserve the win.

Tonight’s win improves WKU’s record to 8-1-1 all-time against Louisiana-Lafayette. WKU held a 4-1 advantage in corner kicks, and the Lady Toppers were whistled for four offsides.

Up Next: WKU heads to Monroe, La., to take on ULM at 1 p.m. on Sunday. The Lady Toppers are 3-0 all-time against the Warhawks. After the game against ULM, the Lady Toppers will return home to conclude the Sun Belt Conference regular-season slate with three home matches. They will host Denver on October 23, North Texas on October 25 and Middle Tennesseee on October 30.