Amy Grant recorded her third career shutout in the victory.

Kim Lisun scored a goal and added an assist for the Explorers.

Ashley Cassel netted her second goal of the season in the win.

PHILADELPHIA - Junior Kristin Hextall scored for the third straight match, the game-winner, and assisted on two other goals, while sophomore goalkeeper Amy Grant stopped three shots to record the shutout as the La Salle University Women's Soccer team defeated the visiting Richmond Spiders, 3-0, Sunday afternoon in Atlantic 10 action at McCarthy Stadium.

 

It was a quick strike for the Explorers, as Hextall tallied the game's first goal just 1:25 into the match. She took a midfield pass from freshman Melanie Gamble along the left side, dribbled past a Spider defender and beat the Richmond goalie for her third tally of the season.

 

The early goal was huge for La Salle, because in the ninth minute, an Explorer was sent off with a red card, forcing the team to play a person down for the last 80+ mintues of the game.

 

Richmond (1-10-2, 1-3 A-10) almost tied the game in the 18th minute, when Kelsey Rdzanek dribbled in on Grant after beating a La Salle defender. Grant forced a shot high, which bounced off the cross bar.

 

The Explorers gave themselves a little breathing room just before halftime. Junior Kim Lisun put La Salle up 2-0 with a score at the 43:39 mark of the first half with an assist to Hextall.

 

With the man advantage, the Spiders continued to pressure and again almost broke through with a goal in the 61st minute. This time Ashleigh Blumer came in one-on-one with Grant, but her shot was stopped point-blank by Grant to keep Richmond off the board.

 

Just five minutes later, La Salle added another insurance goal, all but preserving the win. Lisun hit a cross to Hextall in the middle of the box. Her shot bounced off the left crossbar, where senior Ashley Cassel knocked the ricochet back into the net.

 

Grant improved her record to 4-3 this season with her second shutout of the season, third of her career. Richmond goalies Erin Iman (first half, four saves, two goals allowed) and Kate Hudson (one save, one GA) split time in the net for the Spiders.

 

With the victory, the Explorers have now won three straight games for the first time in more than two years, and have matched the best start in A-10 play. The 2001 and 2002 squads also began conference play with a 3-1 record, but failed to win their next game.

 

La Salle (6-7-0, 3-1 A-10), which improved its record to 5-2 at home, will remain at home when they host St. Bonaventure (10/13; 7 PM) and Fordham (10/15; 1 PM) this coming weekend.