Box Score
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - West Chester University snapped its six-game slide with a convincing 4-2 victory over La Salle in the Atlantic 10 field hockey opener for both schools Friday afternoon at DeVincent Field.
West Chester (6-6, 1-0 Atlantic 10) jumped out to a 4-1 lead shortly after halftime and cruised the rest of the way to climb back to .500 overall and open the league slate on a positive note. La Salle (4-9, 0-1) mustered just one goal in each half in the loss.
Freshman forward Melissa LeNoir, returned to her early-season form, with two goals for the Golden Rams. Kristen Foore tallied just before halftime, and Leah Angstadt converted a penalty stroke three minutes into the second half for the Rams' other scoring.
LeNoir opened the scoring 10 minutes into the tilt on an unassisted effort. Foore doubled the lead in the 31st minute. La Salle scored in the final minute of the half to make it a 2-1 game going into the break.
However, Angstadt beat La Salle goalkeeper Emma Ruth on a penalty stroke in the 38th minute, and LeNoir potted her second of the day in the 42nd minute to put West Chester well in command. La Salle cut the deficit in half with a tally in the 50th minute, but it was not enough.
Joelle Zarefoss made eight saves in picking up the win in goal for West Chester. Ruth made four saves for the Explorers.
West Chester returns to Vonnie Gros Field on Sunday for a non-league match with Patriot League foe Lafayette paying a visit at 12 p.m.