April 4, 2008

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA, PA - Despite Emily Bonczek's six goals, the La Salle lacrosse team dropped an 18-12 decision to Temple on Friday afternoon at McCarthy Stadium. With the loss, the Explorers fall to 0-10 on the year and 0-3 in the Atlantic 10.

After spotting Temple an early 1-0 lead, the Explorers bounced back to go ahead by a 2-1 score. Stefany McKee got La Salle on the board at the 27:33 mark to tie the game at 1-1 before Bonczek gave the Explorers the lead just 12 seconds later. Temple then reeled off three-straight to take a 4-2 lead, but consecutive goals from Allie Venuti and Bonczek tied the game at 4.

Bonczek added another goal before the end of the half, but Temple was able to outscore the Explorers 9-1 over the final 20 minutes of the opening stanza, taking a 13-5 lead into halftime.

Erika Matthews opened the second half scoring with her goal at the 28:05 mark, cutting the Temple lead to seven. However, the Owls responded with two-straight goals to take a 15-6 lead, their largest of the day.

The Explorers were able to slow down the Temple attack in the second half, but could not overcome the deficit. La Salle outscored the Owls 7-5 in the final period.

Freshman Nicole McCurdy, who came into today's game with just two goals scored on the year, matched her season total with a pair of scores in the second half. Kelly Heiss added a late goal for the Explorers.

Ellen Axelsen played all 60 minutes between the pipes, recording 10 saves. Jessica Hanson had a solid game on defense, scooping up two ground balls and causing a pair of turnovers.

Temple was led by Whitney Richards and Berkley Summerlin, who each recorded four goals. Whitney Richards added a game-high four assists, while Nicole Caniglia chipped in with three goals and three assists. Hillary Richards notched a pair of goals and three assists, as the Owls improved to 7-3 overall and 4-0 in the A-10.

La Salle faces off against another city rival at Saint Joseph's this Sunday.