PHILADELPHIA - Saint Joseph's scored three times in a pivotal second period en route to a 6-0 victory over the La Salle University field hockey team at Hank DeVincent Field on Thursday. The contest served as the Atlantic 10 opener for both teams, and was also the first of a three-game home stand for the Explorers.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• After a scoreless 11 minutes that saw redshirt junior Cassie Kincaid come up with three saves to keep the Hawks off the board, La Salle had its first chance in the 12th minute.
• Sophomore Natalie Biliunas ripped a shot from right side that was stopped by Robin Bleekemolen. The Explorers nearly had another opportunity on the rebound, but SJU's defense was able to clear.
• Just over two minutes later, St. Joe's opened the scoring as Jordan Olenginski found the back of the cage shortly after a corner to give the Hawks a 1-0 lead.
• A penalty stroke was awarded to SJU less than a minute into the second quarter, with Cassidy Atchison converting to double the visitors' lead.
• Two more goals by the Hawks put the score at 4-0 heading into halftime.
• SJU tacked on a goal in the third and one more in the fourth to account for the final margin of victory.
• Freshmen Tatum Johnson and Paige Doyle had three shots combined over the final two frames, but each of those attempts were stopped by Bleekemolen.

UP NEXT

• The Explorers will have an eight-day layoff before returning to action on Friday, March 19 against A-10 foe Lock Haven.
• The match, which will be held at Hank DeVincent Field, is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.