PHILADELPHIA – Lacrosse opened its campaign with an impressive win on Saturday, defeating Delaware 7-4. It's the first win against the Blue Hens since 2013. Seniors Annina Iacobucci and Bridget Ruskey led the way in scoring for the Explorers, each netting twice and assisting once. Senor Molly Loughlin was a force in net with 11 saves on 15 shots, including seven saves on eight shots in the second half to stifle the visitors.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Explorer struck first through Iacobucci less than four minutes in. Delaware responded with back-to-back goals to give it the lead, which senior Maddie Dachowski brought level on a pass from sophomore Madi McKee. 
• Despite being a player down about midway through the half, freshman Maddie Henderson put La Salle in front with her first collegiate goal. The Blue Hens answered back seven minutes later on a free position goal, but the Blue & Gold finished the stronger of the sides with a score from rookie Lola Quigley to give the home side a lead at the break.
• Out of the half, it was Ruskey who would stamp her authority with a brace, pushing the Explorers' advantage to 6-3. Iacobucci, who kickstarted La Salle's scoring, finished it with a goal almost halfway through the second.
• Eventually, Delaware would find the back of the net, but the stingy La Salle defense would allow nothing else.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• In perhaps one of the most impressive defensive displays in the Katie Rhodes Abbott era, the Explorers did not allow a goal from the 4:32 mark in the first half to the 3:48 mark in the second. That's a total time of 30 minutes and 44 seconds without conceding a goal.
• Sticking with defense, senior Priya Kavuru led all players in both caused turnovers (four) and ground balls (four).
• Freshman watch: Rookies Henderson and Quigley each had impressive debuts with goals. Henderson also added three caused turnovers.
• Along with her two goals, Ruskey was tied for the game high with three draw controls. Classmate Allison Hunter also had three in addition to an assist.

UP NEXT

• The Explorers remain at home next weekend, hosting Lehigh on Saturday at 4 p.m.