PHILADELPHIA - Rookie Kendall Kreider's first collegiate goal in the 48th minute proved to be the game winner as the La Salle field hockey squad outlasted Villanova 2-1 in the home opener at Hank DeVincent Field on Wednesday afternoon.

Kreider converted a pass from fellow rookie Sophie Lozowski, and punched it in just past the right side of Nova keeper Jordyn Clipstone.

"It was really exciting to be able to score the game-winning goal," Kreider said. "We have so many people who can do so many good things and we all work together. It was good that we were able to get our first win today in our home opener."

The Explorers yielded an early penalty stroke to the Wildcats as Jessica Swoboda sank the attempt in the 21st minute to break a scoreless game. However, the Wildcats' lead was short-lived as senior Maddy Tettelbach found the back of the cage exactly eight minutes later. Abbey Lawrence found Tettelbach from near the top of the circle, and Tettelbach rocketed in a shot from about 15 yards out to knot the game at 1-1.

"I was very pleased with the way that we played today," Head Coach Michelle Marks said. "We came out strong from the first whistle, and had a good warmup that set the tone for the rest of the game."

The offense, which struggled through the first three games, found its stride today as the Explorers outshot Villanova 20-11 overall including 10-4 in the second half. The squad also created six penalty corner opportunities.

"We did a really nice job of creating attacking opportunities," Marks said. "Kendall and Maddy did a nice job of converting, Kendall with the game winner as a freshman. I think it really showed her poise to collect the ball in front of the goalkeeper and move the ball around her."

The defense continued its strong play, with goalkeeper Rachel Hartman making six saves while yielding just one goal to earn her first collegiate win. Hartman is recording a stellar .806 save percentage through four games and finally reaped the benefits of strong early season play with the win today.

"I thought Olivia [Leaman] and Rachel [Hartman] did a really nice job on the defensive end," Marks added. "Overall, I think we played a very complete 70 minutes. Now we're going to be working on and focusing on what we need to do to beat Rider on Saturday."

The Explorers and Broncs will face off at noon on Saturday.