March 5, 2008
Box Score
PHILADELPHIA, PA - Emily Bonczek netted a game-high seven goals, but a 10-0 run by Drexel was the difference as the La Salle lacrosse team fell to the Dragons, 15-12. The loss drops the Explorers to 0-4 on the year, while Drexel improved to 5-1.
La Salle jumped out to a 2-0 lead early in the contest on goals from Bonczek and Elizabeth Iacullo. Drexel then responded with four straight to take a two-goal lead.
The Explorers then took control with Bonczek leading the charge. The senior's goal at the 15:14 mark pulled La Salle to within one, before Erika Matthews tied the game on a free position shot with 13:45 to play in the half.
Matthews then assisted on a Bonczek goal at 10:04, as the Explorers regained the lead. They would add another score when Brittany White's free position shot deflected off of Allie Venuti and trickled into the net, past a surprised Drexel defense. Bonczek would then give La Salle a 7-4 lead with her fourth goal of the half.
Neither team was able to score over the next five minutes. Strong defensive play and stellar work in the cage from goalkeeper Ellen Axelsen kept the Dragons attack at bay.
It appeared the Explorers would head into the half with a three-goal lead, but two Drexel goals in the final 23 seconds of play cut the La Salle lead to 7-6 at the break.
Drexel's momentum carried over after halftime, as the Dragons scored the first eight goals of the second half to take a 14-7 lead.
It wasn't until the 10:56 mark that the Explorers broke the scoreless streak, as Kelly Heiss found the back of the cage. Matthews' goal two minutes later cut the lead to 14-9.
Drexel would respond, as Gwenna Johnson netted her fourth of the game to push the lead back to six at 15-9.
Bonczek did everything she could to keep La Salle's comeback hopes alive, scoring three goals in the final four minutes of play. Unfortunately, time ran out on the Explorers, as the Dragons escaped McCarthy Stadium with the win.
Matthews finished the game with two goals for La Salle, while Iacullo, Heiss and Venuti each had one. Dorothy Schalleur scooped up four ground balls and caused three turnovers, both game-highs.
The Dragons were led by Johnson and Jessica Bill, who each tallied four goals.
Axelsen started in goal and recorded eight saves, including six in the first half. Mara Schnellenbach replaced her in the second half and stopped three shots.
Next up for the Explorers is a home contest this Sunday against Louisville at 3:00 PM.
