Box Score
PHILADELPHIA — Two penalty kick goals helped propel Maryland over La Salle 5-1 in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday night at Ludwig Field. 

The Terps (11-5-4) struck first in the 23rd minute when a foul against La Salle in the box led to a penalty kick.  Ashley Grove buried the PK inside the right post past keeper Melissa Sanger (Mullica Hill, N.J./Kingsway Regional). Maryland will now move on to play the winner of Auburn-Utah St. in the second round of the tournament next Friday.

Three minutes later, Renee Washington (Pennington, N.J./Pennington Prep) took advantage of a turnover in Maryland's defensive third and buried a 20-yard shot in the upper 90 to equalize the game at 1-1.

The game remained tied until five minutes into the second half when another disappointing foul in the box went against La Salle, leading to a second penalty kick.

Olivia Wagner took the PK for the Terps and just snuck one past Sanger, who got a finger on the ball but not enough to deflect the ball off frame. 

The Explorers (15-2-3) pushed numbers forward late in the game, allowing Maryland to score three goals in the final seven minutes to finalize the lopsided score line.  The 28 shots and five goals are the most allowed by La Salle all season long.  The two penalty kicks against the Explorers were also the only two PKs allowed this season.

“The final score was not indicative of how the game was played,” said head coach Paul Royal.  “I'm incredibly proud of our girls for an outstanding season and I can't wait for next season so we can continue to build this program to the next level.”