BALTIMORE, Md. – La Salle opened their season in a big 73-68 win over Coppin State on the road. Freshman Aryss Macktoon led the way for the Explorers as she scored 17 points in the win.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Throughout the first half of play against Coppin State. Freshman Aryss Macktoon controlled the ball on the offense end of the floor early in the first quarter.
• Macktoon was able to get to the free-throw line multiple times within the first seven minutes of play, making all of her free-throws.
• The second quarter began with the Explorers pulling away and strengthening their lead. Gabby Turco and Nicole Melious each contributed to what would at one point be an 11-point lead for La Salle with four minutes remaining in the half.
• The Eagles would however inch closer to the La Salle lead and would eventually cut the lead to two points. Mossi Staples would have two fastbreak opportunities to add to the efforts of Coppin State.
• The Lady Eagles would storm back throughout the third quarter. At one point down eight early in the third, Laia Lawrence was able to help Coppin State get back into it. She had five points in less than a minute span.
• Angel Jones knocked down her second three-pointer of the game to bring Coppin with in two (40-38) with 5:05 remaining in the third. She would then get fouled with an opportunity to go to the line and tie the game at 40. Both free-throws were made and we were tied for the first time in the contest.
• After the Explorers took a slight lead, Jones would repeat her efforts and help Coppin get back within one point before Tiffany Hammond would sink a three-point shot to give CSU their first lead of the game. Lawrence then sunk one of two free throws and a layup to put the Eagles up by five with less than a minute in the third.
• The theme of the contest for the Explorers was new members contributing, and that's exactly what happened in the final ten minutes of play. Jolene Armendariz drilled a deep three-pointer to kick-start the La Salle comeback.
• Two more threes by Nicole Melious and Armendariz got the Explorers back within one point, 55-56. The Coppin State bench was issued a technical foul which brough Melious to the line with a chance to give La Salle the lead. She would tie the game after making one of her two attempts.
• After Lawrence got the Eagles back on top by one, Macktoon continues her big debut knocking down a three point to give La Salle the lead. The Eagles would make one last push at taking the lead, but it would not be successful. Armendariz, Turco, and Melious each found the net to add onto the La Salle lead ultimately resulting in a five-point victory,

 
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Freshmen Aryss Macktoon and Nicole Melious combines for 33 points in the La Salle win over Coppin.
• Melious showed her strong ability to sink the three-point shot going 50% from deep, making three threes'.
• Turco and Emilee Tahata each totaled eight points in the win.
• Molly Masciantonio picked up right where she left off last season, leading the team in assists. She helped on four successful baskets in tonight's game.
• As a team La Salle went 8-11 from the free-throw line good for 72.7%.
• La Salle continually tries to win with the three proving this in their 20 attempts from beyond the arch.

UP NEXT:

• La Salle will return to Philadelphia on Thursday, November 9 for the 2023-24 home opener against Maine. Tipoff is set for 4:30 p.m.
• Thursday's game will be streamed on ESPN+ and can be followed using Live Stats.
• Follow on X @LaSalle_WBB and on Instagram @lasalle_wbb for updates and content surrounding the team.