Box Score
WEST CHESTER, Pa. - LaSalle scored twice in the final seven minutes, but West Chester notched a goal of its own to keep the Explorers at bay, 3-2, in the Atlantic 10 field hockey regular-season finale for both schools on a balmy Saturday afternoon.
With temperatures touching 70 degrees on the mercury, West Chester (7-11, 2-4 A-10) was the team that came out hot. Senior Jacki Eddy scored 13 minutes into the contest to give the hosts a 1-0 lead that stuck heading into halftime.
Amanda Wynkoop doubled the advantage in the 47th minute as senior Marisa Holzman picked up her second assist of the tilt.
However, just when the hometown faithful thought the Golden Rams had the game in hand, LaSalle (6-13, 1-5 A-10) cut the deficit in half with a goal by Kara Harpel in the 64th minute. West Chester had controlled the pace of the game to that point, but the tally sparked something in the Explorers that made the final six minutes exciting.
Senior Lauren DuBois pushed the Rams' advantage back to two goals with a little over three minutes to play. Classmate Desiree Walker picked up the assist.
LaSalle stormed back once again when Harpel's individual effort pulled the visitors back to within one with 1:15 left in the contest. The Explorers nearly tied the contest with 29 seconds left in the match. However, a shot by LaSalle hit the post and West Chester cleared the ball.
Senior goalkeeper Brittney Harding made seven saves in her final collegiate appearance. Emily Smith was credited with a defensive save.
LaSalle's Emma Ruth made four saves in a losing effort. Jess Menge was credited with back-to-back defensive saves in the final seconds of the first half that kept the tilt a 1-0 game.
