RICHMOND, Va. – The La Salle women's lacrosse team (3-9, 0-4 A-10) came up short in Atlantic 10 conference play on Saturday afternoon, falling 10-6 to VCU (7-3, 3-1) at Cary Street Field.

Senior midfielder Jade Shearer led the way offensively, recording a hat trick. Her performance included a new season high in both shots (six) and shots on goal (five), helping her set the pace for the attack.

Senior attacker Emi Waldron contributed a goal and an assist, reaching the 40-point mark for the season

In goal, senior captain Mary Babbage was a standout, making 13 saves on 34 shots faced and limiting VCU to just two goals in the second half. 

Junior defender Alexis Fields and junior midfielder Mia Riccitelli anchored the Explorers' defense. Fields tallied a team-high two caused turnovers and Riccitelli scooped up a team-high four ground balls

La Salle opened the contest with promise as Zoe Francone put the Explorers on the board first, scoring on a man-up advantage with an assist from Kate Licciardi. 

VCU answered quickly, embarking on a 4-1 run to close the first quarter with a 5-2 lead.

The Explorers worked to keep pace in the second quarter, with two goals from Shearer sandwiched between VCU strikes, but entered halftime trailing 8-4.

The third quarter showcased La Salle's strongest stretch of the day, as back-to-back goals from Shearer and Waldron trimmed the deficit to 8-6 with 11:08 left in the quarter.

However, VCU responded, and the Explorers were held scoreless in the fourth quarter while the Rams added two insurance goals to seal the result.

La Salle continues Atlantic 10 play on Saturday, March 28, visiting crosstown rival Saint Joseph's. Opening draw is set for noon.