Pittsburgh, PA – The La Salle women's lacrosse team (3-12, 0-7 A-10) dropped a closely contested Atlantic 10 Conference matchup at Duquesne (2-11, 1-6 A-10) on Saturday afternoon, falling 10-8 at Rooney Field.

Junior attacker Kate Licciardi led the Explorers with two goals, one assist and five shots—all on target. Senior attacker Sam Klein added two goals on six attempts, while senior attacker Emi Waldron contributed a goal, an assist and a team-high four draw controls.

Freshmen defender Nicole Shimukonas anchored the defense with a career and game-high six ground balls, and senior goalkeeper Mary Babbage made 14 saves in goal.

La Salle opened the contest with strong execution, grabbing a 2-0 lead with early goals from sophomore attacker Zoe Francone and senior midfielder Jade Shearer. 

The Explorers built their largest advantage at 5-2 midway through the second quarter after scores from Waldron, Klein, and Licciardi.

However, momentum shifted as Duquesne closed the half with four consecutive goals, including back-to-back by Emma Raines to seize a 6-5 lead at the break.

The Dukes maintained control in the second half, but La Salle pulled within 9-8 with just over nine minutes left in regulation.

The deficit held until the final two minutes, when Duquesne's Chelsea Evans found the back of the net to secure the victory.

The Explorers return home to McCarthy Stadium for the Alumni Appreciation/LaCROSSe Out Cancer game, hosting St. Bonaventure University on Saturday, April 18 at 11 a.m.