PHILADELPHIA - The La Salle women's soccer team (8-3-1, 3-0 A-10) had an overall outstanding performance on Thursday night in a statement win over Atlantic 10 opponent Dayton (6-5-1, 1-1-1 A-10). The Explorers posted their highest goal-total of the season and also recorded their sixth shutout on the year. The win was a milestone for 15th year head coach Paul Royal as it was his 150th win.

"It's special," said Royal on this win being the milestone "I think it ranks up there for a lot of reasons. It was quite a statement for the women to make. We were on fire today." Royal also spoke of some of his former athletes and the talent that has come through La Salle throughout his time.

La Salle played an all around great game on offense and defense. Not only was scoring spread between four different women but the Explorer defense didn't allow Dayton to record a single shot in the entire first half. 

"I think they've really been getting excited for A-10 play," Royal said about his team's play. After the win and a Fordham loss, the Explorers now stand alone in first place in the conference.

La Salle didn't waste much time as Chloe Lewis scored in the 11th minute of the match. Her goal came after some nifty passes from Paige McDowell and Danielle Marx set her up in position to slip one past the goalie.

Kristin Haugstad, the Atlantic 10 Offensive Player of the Week, banked La Salle's next goal in off of a corner. Her kick hit off the goalie and into the back of the net for her team-leading fifth goal of the season.

With a 2-0 lead going into halftime, the Explorers did not take their foot off the pedal. Amirah Louketis scored a long-range goal in the open field from well beyond the box, past the goalkeeper and into the net. The goal was assisted by Jess Shanahan.

Madison Bower scored La Salle's fourth goal, lobbing it over the goalkeeper and into the net.

Larisa Zambelli had four saves in net and the shutout win.

La Salle continues Atlantic 10 play this weekend at Rhode Island on Saturday at 1:00 PM.