Baltimore, MD - The La Salle women's basketball team opened the 2025-26 season in style on Thursday night, earning a 71-59 road victory over Loyola Maryland at Reitz Arena. Behind dominant performances from junior Aryss Macktoon, the Explorers led start-to-finish to begin the year 1-0.

Macktoon, a Baltimore native, put on a show in her homecoming, recording a double-double with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and five steals while shooting 52% from the floor. Redshirt junior Ashleigh Connor followed with a strong all-around effort, totaling 20 points, five assists, and four rebounds. Redshirt freshman Kiara Williams went a perfect 5-for-5 from the field for 12 points and seven rebounds in her first collegiate action.

The Explorers wasted no time setting the tone, jumping out to an 11-2 lead in the first four minutes and ending the opening quarter with a 21-10 advantage. La Salle's defense was relentless early, forcing 10 first-quarter turnovers and building a 37-22 lead by halftime.

Loyola found a rhythm late in the third quarter behind forward Lex Therien, who led all Greyhounds with 22 points and nine rebounds, but La Salle's composure down the stretch kept the outcome in hand. The Explorers answered every Loyola push, shooting 78 percent from the field in the fourth quarter and sealing the win with clutch free throws and fast-break buckets.

As a team, La Salle shot 50 percent (26-for-52) from the field, outscored Loyola 44-40 in the paint, and turned 21 Greyhound turnovers into 22 points. The Explorers also owned the glass, outrebounding Loyola 35-28, with 11 coming on the offensive end.

The victory puts the Explorers at 1-0, who now turn their attention to their home opener on Saturday against Saint Francis as part of La Salle University Homecoming.