Harrisonburg, Va. – The Old Dominion University women’s soccer team fell 1-0 to La Salle in game one of the JMU Tournament and of the 2013 regular season.

Friday night’s game started with La Salle attempting the first four shots, but in the 28^th minute it was Old Dominion’s Grace Haverly who nearly scored first as she fired a shot that hit off the post. The Lady Monarchs would then test La Salle’s defense again in the 36th minute of play, as senior Meghan Cozens ripped a shot that was saved by Jessica Wiggins.

After a level first half, the Explorers struck first in the 50th minute of play off a Kelsey Haycook goal assisted by an Anna Dolhansky through ball. Haycook’s goal proved to be enough, as La Salle held onto to defeat the Lady Monarchs 1-0.

Meredith Lenox came up big on Friday night with six saves, Wiggins finished with one save.

The Explorers led the shot count 17-5, with seven of those 17 shots on target compared to Old Dominion’s one shot on goal. La Salle attempted five corners; the Lady Monarchs took one.

La Salle has made the NCAA tournament the past two seasons and were the champions of the Atlantic 10 last year. The Explorers were picked to finish second in the Atlantic 10 this season.

The Explorers returned six starters from last season including 2012 Defender of the Year Courtney Niemiec, CoSIDA Academic All-American Renee Washington and 2011 All-American Kelsey Haycook; all of whom were selected to the Atlantic 10’s Preseason All-Conference Team.

Old Dominion’s second and final game of the JMU Tournament will take place on Sunday, Aug. 25 against the University of Richmond at 11 a.m. Live coverage for the Tournament can be found at JMUSports.com. 

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