PHILADELPHIA, PA – The La Salle women's lacrosse (3-5, 0-1 A-10) dropped a heartbreaker in its Atlantic 10 opener, falling 10-9 in overtime to George Mason (4-3, 1-0 A-10) on Senior Day at McCarthy Stadium. The Explorers rallied from a multi-goal deficit late in regulation, but ultimately fell in the extra period.
Senior attacker Emi Waldron paced the Explorer offense, recording four goals on 14 shots, including the go-ahead goal late in the fourth. Waldron also surpassed 50 career goals in the contest and upped her season total to 27.
Senior attacker Sam Klein contributed a hat trick, converting all three of her free position attempts. Sophomore attacker Bri McClain added two crucial goals.
Sophomore midfielder Tess Waltrich dominated the draw circle with six controls. In the cage, Mary Babbage kept La Salle in contention with 11 saves on 36 shots faced.
Saturday's contest opened with George Mason taking a 4-2 lead in the first quarter, capitalizing on early man-up opportunities. The Patriots extended their edge to 6-4 at halftime, with La Salle held in check by turnovers and key saves from the opposition. The third quarter saw evenly matched play, as both teams scored twice, but La Salle still trailed entering the final frame.
The Explorers found their spark in the fourth quarter, launching a determined 3-0 run highlighted by two quick goals from Klein and a pivotal fourth tally from Waldron that gave La Salle its first lead at 9-8 with just over three minutes to play.
However, George Mason managed to equalize with eight seconds left, forcing overtime. In the extra session, the Patriots struck the sudden-death game-winner, ending a dramatic conference battle.
Before the game La Salle celebrated it's senior class with a pregame ceremony.
La Salle continues its homestand Wednesday, March 11, hosting Kennesaw State in a non-conference matchup at McCarthy Stadium. Opening draw is set for 6 p.m.
