Women's Lacrosse | March 4, 2022

PHILADELPHIA - After three-consecutive road games, La Salle women's lacrosse will return to McCarthy Stadium and look to stay unbeaten at home on Saturday, March 5 when they host Manhattan. Opening draw is scheduled for 1 p.m., and will be streamed live on ESPN+. 

Saturday's matchup with the Jaspers will also be La Salle's Game Hair Havoc game, where the team will style their hair and wear green accessories as a fundraiser for cancer recourses in association with the HEADStrong Foundation. Those interested in donating can visit La Salle's team donation page at https://pledge.headstrong.org/team/404210.

SCOUTING THE EXPLORERS:
Saturday's game will mark the second two-game week of the season for the Explorers, who were last in action on Wednesday afternoon against Lehigh. 
La Salle fell to the Mountain Hawks 13-5, as Lehigh goalkeeper Hayley Hunt made 17 saves to slow down an Explorer offense that led the game in both shots and shots on goal. 
The Explorers have averaged 26.8 shots per game, leading to 47 goals in five contests. 
Preseason All-Conference first team selection Emily Johnston leads that offense with 11 goals and 13 points. The fifth-year senior also holds the team in draw controls with 21 of La Salle's 63. 
Tori Rolon ranks second on the team with nine goals, holding a perfect 5-for-5 mark in free position shots. As a team, the Explorers have converted on .469 (15-32) free-position shots, while allowing free position goals at a .480 (12-25) clip. 
The Explorers have secured 91 ground balls through five games, led by 15 from Liza Dellaratta.
Maddie Henderson adds 13 ground balls, and has also produced five goals, six points, 16 draw controls, and a team-high nine caused turnovers. 
In goal, Julia Dellaratta has made all five starts for La Salle while Kelli McGroarty has started the second half in La Salle's last four games. 
As a unit, La Salle's keepers have allowed 60 goals while making 51 saves while conceding 11.65 per contest. 

SCOUTING THE JASPERS:
Manhattan enters Saturday's game on a three-game winning streak with a 3-1 record in 2022. 
After dropping their season opener against Columbia, the Jaspers rattled off three-consecutive wins over Wagner, Delaware State, and Central Connecticut State. 
The Jaspers were tabbed eighth in the MAAC Preseason poll after finishing 3-8 in conference play in 2021. 
Senior attacker Grace Lipponer, a Preseason All-MAAC selection, has already racked up 14 goals, 11 assists, and 25 points through just four games. The Lake Grove, Pa. native also earned MAAC women's lacrosse Offensive Player of the Week honors after tallying 13 points in wins over Wagner and Delaware State. 
The high-powered Jasper offense has tallied 54 goals in four games, averaging 33.5 shots per contest. 
In goal, Ashley Gambardella has made all four starts, allowing 30 goals while making 24 saves this season.