March 29, 2009

Box Score

Philadelphia, PA - It was a one-goal game with 18:47 remaining in regulation, but three unanswered goals gave La Salle a significant lead as the Explorers went on to defeat conference and city-rival Temple at home on Sunday, 9-7.

The Owls jumped out to a 1-0 lead when freshman Kelsey Zenuk scored with 37 seconds into the game. La Salle answered back with two straight goals coming from sophomore Ashley Rutz first (24:11) and junior Jill Davis second (20:12). The Explorers ventured to the locker room with a 5-3 lead at the midway point.

In the second period, Temple scored two of the first three goals to make it a 6-5 game in favor of La Salle. Over the next six minutes, the Explorers capitalized on two consecutive goals from junior Stefany McKee, 8-5. La Salle put the game out of reach when sophomore Nicole McCurdy scored the third straight Explorers goal with 9:11 left in the second period, 9-5. McKee, McCurdy and Rutz all scored two goals each in Sunday's win.

McCurdy recorded a game-high six caused turnovers and junior Dorothy Schalleur and freshman Sara Ciaverelli both added four ground balls apiece. Sophomore Mara Schnellenbach posted 11 saves for the Explorers on the afternoon.

For Temple, senior Brittney Hoffman led everyone in the contest with a game-high three goals.

La Salle had the advantage in ground balls, 24-7, and both teams controlled the draw nine times respectively.

The Explorers (4-5, 1-1) will embark on a four-game road trip starting with Duquesne on Friday, April 3 at 4:00 PM.