Women’s Soccer Closes Opening Season Road Stretch with Delaware

August 24, 2024

PHILADELPHIA - La Salle women's soccer will conclude its season-opening four-game road stand on Sunday evening with a trip to the Delaware Blue Hens. The game will kick at 5:30pm on FloSports. The Explorers will be looking to avenge 2-1 loss at the hands of the Blue Hens last season.

Explorers fans can follow the team on Twitter @LaSalle_WSOC and Instagram @lasalle_wsoc.

SCOUTING THE EXPLORERS

La Salle has had a productive couple of games. After stumbling at reigning Patriot League champion Bucknell, the Explorers claimed victory at Sacred Heart and tied regional power, the James Madison Dukes in its last two games.
The contest against the Dukes on Thursday night was a wild affair. After going down 2-0 at halftime, La Salle roared back with two goals in the first four minutes of the second half to tie the game. Ricshya Walker and Ella Cadigan notched the first two goals, respectively.
After James Madison scored to retake a 3-2 lead, Justyce Hollenbach scored in the 84^th minute to tie the game and give La Salle the point.
Five Explorers have already scored, while six have at least one assist. Haley Gschrey has earned at least point in each of the three games thus far. She leads the team with three points. Gabby Picco is second in the Atlantic-10 with three assists.
On the backline, Olivia Vricella and freshman Bri Lewis have started every game thus far. Jillian Drumm, Rylee Henson, and Taylor Jourdanais are among those who have also heavily contributed.
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 212 wins in his head coaching career. He ranks 18^th among active D1 coaches in wins at a single institution.

SCOUTING THE BLUE HENS

Delaware had a disappointing 2023 season, earning a 5-5-8 record which included a 2-3-7 in conference play.
The Hens were picked ninth out of 13 teams in the CAA Preseason poll. Goalkeeper Kyla Burns was picked CAA Preseason honorable mention after earning Third Team honors last season.
The Blue Hens had battled tough competition through its first three matches. With losses to power conference foes West Virginia and No. 21 Virginia Tech. They tied Bucknell on the road.
Kelly Lawerence is in her second season leading the program after spending time as an assistant with Penn State. She holds a 5-7-9 record as a head coach.

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