Lily Gebbia, Staff Writer

PHILADELPHIA – Last Sunday afternoon, the La Salle’s Explorers suited up for a inter-city rival game against the St. Joseph’s Hawks at McCarthy stadium, where they were previously undefeated. Going into the game, La Salle held an edge over the Hawks, winning 14 of the 18 all-time matchups. Sunday’s game resulted in a 1-1 tie, marking the first ever draw between the two teams. 

The match got off to a quick start as Hawk’s midfielder Natalie Nevins converted her first shot within two minutes of the game. Following the quick lead, the Explorers brought their offense up a notch, firing three shots on goal within the next 10 minutes. Finally, in the 18th minute, senior forward Haley Gschrey broke away from the Hawk’s defense and was able to easily get into a position to score. She did so, firing a shot into the top right corner of the net and tying the game. 

That game tying goal marks the sixth of the year and 20th all time for Gschrey, as she continues to remain a top threat for La Salle’s offense and the A-10 conference, being sixth in goals scored this year. The game remained exciting, with both teams looking for that go ahead score. In the next few minutes, senior forward Sunni DiElmo made a push and got a shot off that inevitably hit the top of the crossbar to take them into the next half. 

In the second half, both teams were firing shots but none seemed to convert. La Salle had an edge of 10-7 in shots on goal compared to the Hawks. Senior goalkeeper Michela Auguadro saved three goals in the last ten minutes of the game, helping the Explorers stay in the game. Those saves add to her 32 saves on the year, only allowing 12 goals, otherwise. 

As the game clock starts to tick down, both teams scramble to get the game winning goal. Ultimately, both teams fell short and the game ended in a draw, marking both teams third draw of the year. Going forward, The Explorers hope to win their next game against Davidson, which will be at McCarthy stadium on Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. A win there would give them an edge on conference play with their next eight games all being A-10 matchups.