Women’s Soccer Opens Fall Season for La Salle with Trip to Bucknell

August 14, 2024

PHILADELPHIA — The 2024 La Salle sports calendar will kick off Thursday night as the Explorers head to Lewisburg, Pa. to battle the Bucknell Bison.

The game will be streamed on ESPN+. Explorers fans can follow the team on Twitter @LaSalle_WSOC and Instagram @lasalle_wsoc.

SCOUTING THE EXPLORERS

La Salle is looking to build on a tremendous 2023 season after going 12-6-3 overall and 8-1-1 in Atlantic 10 play.
The Explorers bring back four of their top five scorers from last year in senior Haley Gschrey, and juniors Justyce Hollenbach, Ricshya Walker, and Elizabeth Estrada. All four were recognized by the Atlantic 10 last season, with Gschrey and Walker earning second-team All-Conference and Hollenbach and Estrada being named All-Rookie.
Gschrey led the team and placed fourth in conference with 18 points last season, she also led the team in goals with eight.
On the backline, the Explorers return strong experience in Olivia Vricella, who started all 21 games last season, and Jillian Drumm, who played in 19 games and made 15 starts.
Goalkeeping figures to be an area of strength this season for La Salle. Michela Auguadro, Gabby Neal, and Mackenna Yaracs all return from last season. Auguadro has started 44 of the 47 games she has played in during her college career. She allowed 1.05 goal per game last season and begin A-10 play with five straight shutouts. Her career GAA of 1.25 is tied for fifth in program history.
The Explorers are led by head coach Paul Royal, who enters his 22^nd season at the helm. Royal is one of the top coaches in the Atlantic 10, earning five trips to the NCAA Tournament during his tenure and has sent 16 players to the professional ranks. He was voted A-10 Coach of the Year for the fifth time last season.
Royal has amassed 211 wins in his head coaching career. He ranks 18^th among active D1 coaches in wins at a single institution.

SCOUTING THE BISON

Bucknell is looking to build off a stellar 2023 season that saw the squad earn a 12-4-5 record and a Patriot League title. The Bison return 7 out of 11 starters from a season ago.
The team returns two stars from last season in two-time Patriot League Midfielder of the Year Teresa Deda and Defender of the Year Katie Schiano.
Kelly Cook leads the Bison in her 9^th season. She holds a record of 83-59-24.

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