PHILADELPHIA - In what head coach Paul Royal called one of the most bizarre games he's ever been a part of, the La Salle women's soccer team (0-0-1) played St. John's (0-0-1) to a 3-3 tie in the Explorers' season opener at McCarthy Stadium on Friday. The game included a nearly four hour weather delay late in the first half due to a very slow moving storm in the area.

Three separate La Salle players found the back of the net, including Madison Bower and Kristin Haugstad on penalty kicks. It was Danielle Marx who had the equalizer at the 81 minute mark of the second half. Marx' goal would prove to be the one that decided the game as a draw after both teams eventually played through two scoreless overtimes.

The game was also officially the first played on the brand new turf installed on McCarthy Stadium over the offseason. After the game, the Explorers gave the new turf rave reviews.

"We had a lot of memories on old McCarthy," said Bower. "But it was time for a change and I feel like we'll get more wins here with the new turf."

Bower also spoke of an old injury that sometimes used to flair up on the previous turf. She said that the new turf didn't give her any trouble. She finished with a game-high eight shots including five on net.

Despite being trapped in a deficit during the delay, La Salle was able to find motivation to come out strong. Haugstad's goal at the 53 minute mark tied the game at two.

"Waiting for four hours was the worst," said Haugstad. "But it was the home opener and we didn't want to lose. We had a lot to prove. We wanted to show everyone who showed up today what we're really made of."

Despite clawing their way back, the Explorers surrendered another goal late and found themselves trailing. Undaunted, they came back one more time on  a long distance goal by Marx. After the game, Marx said "it was a huge team effort and we really showed our unity."

In net, Larissa Zambeli made seven saves including three in the two combined overtime periods.

"I'm really, really proud of this group from our freshmen contributions to our seniors stepping up big time," said Royal. "It's a lot to build on. And now we can take the next step."

The Explorers play at Temple on Sunday at 1:00 PM.