SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. – The La Salle women's soccer team landed an early goal in its season opener at Seton Hall and never looked back, defeating the Pirates 1-0.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Kelli McGroarty was the first to get a shot on the goal for the Explorers sending the ball high and center, but the Pirates' goalie managed to get her fingertips on it pushing it overtop of the net awarding La Salle a corner kick at the 29:47 mark.
• Seton Hall immediately defended the incoming ball from Alyssa Gargiulo out front of the net pushing it out to the top corner of the box where McGroarty regained posesssion. Patience was key as McGroarty protected the ball until spotting an open Haley Gschrey front and center for the lone goal of the game just 30:24 seconds into play.
• The Explorers' defense remained locked in keeping Seton Hall to just three shots on goal the entirety of the game. The Pirates got their final shot on the La Salle net with a corner kick in the last five minutes of play. Seton Hall sent the ball dead into the middle for a clear shot on goal stopped by a diving Michela Auguadro.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• La Salle led Seton Hall in shots 13-11, shots on goal 6-3, and corners 5-4.
• The teams committed 17 fouls apiece.
• McGroarty led the Explorers' attack with a team-high four shots and two on goal.
• Madison McCready followed close behind getting off three shots for the Blue & Gold.
• Auguadro totaled three saves on a full 90 minutes played.
• Gargiulo and Lauren Costello were the only other Explorers to play the entirety of the game.

UP NEXT:

• La Salle continues it away series to start the season at Towson on Sunday, August 21 at 7 p.m. The game is available to stream on FloSports.