March 25, 2011

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA - The Explorers gave up two goals in the last five and a half minutes of play against California to fall 10-9 to the Bears under the lights on Friday at McCarthy Stadium.

Sophomore Melanie Sarcinello notched four goals for La Salle, while junior Taylor Ruland added a pair.  Junior Nora McGurkin contributed four assists.

With 5:27 remaining in the second half, Cal's Tara Arolla converted on a free position attempt to lock the score at 9-all.

The Explorers lost the ensuing draw, but played four minutes of tough defense, fending off four California shots, before Arolla put the game-winner past La Salle goalie Megan Corliss with 1:31 to play.

Arolla would finish the evening with four goals for the Bears.

The Explorers trailed 5-4 at the break, and then 6-4 after a Cal goal two minutes into the second half.  La Salle then rattled off four unanswered goals on two scores by Sarcinello and one each by Ruland and sophomore Jackie Roebuck to take an 8-6 lead with 18:19 left in regulation.

Cal tied the contest at 8-all with 12:46 to play, but La Salle got back on top less than a minute later after a goal by Lauren McDermott.

Corliss made eight saves in La Salle's loss.  Jackie Donato had three ground balls and caused as many turnovers for the Explorers.

La Salle will have a week before its next game, which is the Explorers' Atlantic 10 opener against Saint Joseph's.  The first draw is set for 4:00 p.m. on April 1.