FENTON, MO - The La Salle Explorer field hockey team opened the 2006 Atlantic 10 conference season on the road against the Saint Louis Billikents. After 70 minutes of play, the Explorers found themselves on the short end of a 2-0 decision. La Salle falls to 4-9 overall, while the Billikens improve to 5-5.

The teams opened the game with a scoreless first half, and saw the Explorers attempt four shots on goal to Saint Louis' three.

It was just 3:05 into the second half, when the Billikens' Mary Henry tipped in a goal off a pass inside the circle from Eva Luck, to give Saint Louis a 1-0 lead. More than 20 minutes later, Henry picked off a pass from Catherine Donovan to net her second goal of the game at the 62:35 mark to provide the Billikens with an insurance goal.

As the last 7:25 of the contest ticked away, so did La Salle's hopes of earning a win in the conference opener.

Goalkeeper Ellen Axelsen logged 70 minutes in goal and faced nine shots on goal enroute to seven saves. Saint Louis' Amy Wasserman matched Axelsen's 70 minutes and posted four saves in the game.

The Explorers held the advantage on penalty corners with a six to two edge. La Salle held Saint Louis those two penalty corners in the second half.

The Explorers will return to action on Sunday, when they take on Richmond at 12:00 p.m.