Davidson, NC – La Salle field hockey mounted a late rally but came up just short, falling 3–2 to Davidson on Friday evening at Belk Turf Field in the Explorers' Atlantic 10 opener.

Davidson struck first midway through the second period, as Sib Naaktgeboren converted off a penalty corner in the 18th minute to put the Wildcats on top. The hosts doubled their lead early in the fourth when Lourdes Wolf finished from close range, and just four minutes later Celie Constantine added a goal of her own to make it 3–0.

The Explorers battled back in the closing minutes, breaking through when sophomore Sofia Enriquez buried her first career goal in the 52nd minute off feeds from juniors Natalie Ricci and Natalie Wilson. Wilson then pulled the Explorers within one at the final horn, scoring on a penalty corner with no time remaining, assisted by junior Matilda Diedrichsen.

Despite the late surge, Davidson held the edge in shots, 22–7, and corners, 12–31. Junior goalkeeper Abby Boggs turned in another standout performance for La Salle, collecting 14 saves to keep the visitors within striking distance.

The Explorers (1–5) continue their North Carolina road trip on Sunday, visiting Queens at 1 pm.