CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Despite a hard-fought effort, the La Salle women's soccer team (0-1-0) fell to #8 Duke (1-0-0) on Thursday evening, 2-0, to open the 2019 campaign.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• La Salle had an opportunity early in the game when redshirt-senior Maci Bower was fouled hard during the third minute of play to create a free kick from about 25 yards out. Junior Jenna Soriano took the kick that clanked off the crossbar.
• Junior keeper Claudia Jenkins recorded two crucial first half saves to finish the first period scoreless.
• During the 68th minute, Duke's Ella Stevens found the back of the net to break the tie.
• Late in the second half, the Explorers recorded multiple shots, however couldn't connect to tie the game.
• The Blue Devils sealed the game with a goal from Marykate McGuire during the 87th minute. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Jenkins tallied six saves in the contest. 
• La Salle registered 10 shots against the Blue Devils with two on net.

GAME NOTES:

• Freshmen Emily Banashefski and Naya Vialva made their first career starts.
• Rookies Leah Giles, Kaitlyn Hoefling,  and Kayla Miller-People made their collegiate debuts off the bench.

UP NEXT:
La Salle will stay in Chapel Hill for its final game of the 2019 Carolina Nike Classic on Sunday against North Florida. Kickoff is slated for noon.