PHILADELPHIA – In a rainy Big 5 matchup, women's lacrosse (1-3) was defeated by Temple (3-3) 16-9 on Tuesday afternoon. After a close first half, the Owls utilized a strong second period to put the game beyond doubt. Junior Bridget Ruskey led the team with four goals, while classmate Emily Johnston tallied a brace.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• Temple opened the scoring before Ruskey tallied a brace in quick succession to put the Blue & Gold up. The Owls countered with two of their own, La Salle responded, but three unanswered from the home team put the score at 6-3. Goals from Ruskey and senior Gabby Burton cut Temple's lead to one at the half.
• The second frame began promisingly with Johnston tying the game a minute and a half in. 10 straight scores from the Owls spanning 20 minutes of the half put the game out of reach, despite three late goals from the Explorers.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• In addition to Ruskey, Johnston and Burton, junior Allison Hunter and freshman Madi McKee were the other Explorers on the scoresheet against the Owls.
• Ruskey led all players with six draw controls, while Johnston and Hunter followed with three each.
• Senior Lexi Kucia led the team in ground balls with five, forcing one turnover. Junior Priya Kavuru finished with two caused turnovers and four ground balls.
• In the cage for La Salle, junior Molly Loughlin  finished with 10 saves and 15 goals against.

UP NEXT

• The Explorers host their home opener Saturday at noon against Radford.