Siobhan Nolan, Staff

The field hockey team was confident heading into their matchup against Towson University. Up until that point, they had been undefeated at Hank DeVincent Field. Confidence could only be bolstered by the fact that Towson was coming into this game with an 0-5 record, while La Salle held a respectable 4-2 record. 

The first quarter was relatively uneventful for both sides, with the Explorers registering just three shots on goal, and the Tigers managing just one. 

Towson, however, would strike first in the second quarter. Dominique Nelson’s pass would find the stick of Paige Reese, whose low shot managed to find its way through the numerous bodies in front of La Salle’s net, giving the Tigers a 1-0 lead. Despite being awarded five corners in the second quarter, the home team couldn’t find a breakthrough going into halftime. 

The second half of the game saw an ample amount of offensive pressure, outshooting Towson 6-1 and holding a 3-1 advantage on corners. Despite the constant pressure, the Explorers could not find a breakthrough and ended the game 1-0. 

It was then off to Big 5 rival Villanova on Sep. 19, where sophomore Tatum Johnson opened the scoring early. Johnson was able to give La Salle a 1-0 lead about four minutes into the game, but Villanova responded with goals from Amanda Middleman and Caitlin Van Goeverden. 

The Explorers weren’t deterred, however, quickly fighting back with goals from juniors Hannah Yanovich and Casey Reilly to take back their lead. The Wildcats were able to respond, equalizing with a goal from Sabine de Ruijter, and eventually winning the game with another de Ruijter goal. 

The field hockey team will be back in action on Sep. 24, taking on the University of Richmond in Virginia.