“Our goal was to get back on track and show our fans, our doubters, and ourselves what we could be doing, what we should be doing, and show what it takes for next year,” said La Salle Coach Candace Taglianetti about the effort La Salle put forth in the game.
Temple took control early jumping out to a 4 – 1 lead at the 20:12 mark on a goal by Sophomore Midfielder Stephany Parcell. La Salle had opportunities and possessions, but turnovers were costly for the Explorers. As the Owls got the ball, they got goals. Temple was playing under control while La Salle was playing hurried.
“That’s immaturity, relying on Freshman and Sophomores to make composed decisions in key situations,” said Taglianetti about Temple getting control early. “We are not there yet and are asking a lot of our young kids.”
When it appeared that Temple had taken control La Salle answered in the form of back to back goals within 26 seconds by Sophomore Midfielder Lauren McDermott to bring the Explorers to within 4 – 3.
Lauren McDermott
“She has been poised to have a break through performance,” said Taglianetti about the game by McDermott. It’s been a tough season for her. In this game she had fire in her eyes, and she can take over a game when she wants to.”
La Salle tied the game at 4 with 10:30 to play on a goal by Freshman Attack Danielle Horn.
The key segment of the game came when La Salle pressed the attack. Temple Junior Goal Keeper Tess Bishop made a save that sprung an attack resulting in a goal by Junior Midfielder Stephanie Markunas with 4:58 on the clock giving the Owls a 5 – 4 lead. Another score by Parcell with 2:06 remaining in the half game the Owls a 6 – 4 lead at the break.
Temple scored the first four goals of the second half on tallies by Sophomore Midfielder Charlotte Swavola, Junior Midfielder Karly Cohen, and two by Junior Midfielder Missy Schweitzer.
Trailing 10 – 4 La Salle began another comeback scoring four consecutive goals by Junior Attack Taylor Ruhland, Sophomore Midfield Melanie Sarcinello, Sophomore Midfielder Jackie Roebuck, and the second goal of the game by Horn. Swavola responded for Temple with her second goal of the game, but McDermott put in her fourth goal of the contest with 3:53 to play bringing La Salle to within 11 – 9. But Freshman Attack Jaymie Tabor put the game away for Temple with consecutive goals to end the contest.
“We took control of the game more than we have in the past,” said Rosen. “It’s a good sign going into the Atlantic 10 Tournament that we are starting to find some control in the game.”
Temple got 3 goals from Schweitzer, and two each from Swavola, Markunas, Cohen, Parcell, and Tabor. Markunas, Schweitzer and Swavola added an assist. La Salle was led by McDermott with 4 goals while Horn added two.
Temple finishes the season 7 – 9 and 5 – 2 in the Atlantic 10. The Owls will be the third seed in the tournament starting on April 29 at Geasey Field. They will have a first round match against second seeded Richmond. Coach Rosen wanted the chance to play in a post-season match.
“We were excited to get ourselves there, and as everyone knows once you get into the tournament, anything can happen,” said Rosen. “We are looking forward to a re-match against a very talented, difficult, good Richmond team. We were excited to come out in this game and play hard knowing we have another week ahead of us.”
La Salle ends the season at 4 – 12, 0 – 7 in conference. The Explorers lost their last ten contests, but see better days ahead.
“We have a great future,” Taglianetti said. “All of our key players areyoung.” We have a ton of talent, and a great Junior class that will be Seniors, so our leadership will be phenomenal. And we have great Freshmen coming in. We will be back to where we should have been.”
Candace Taglianetti
Written By: Glenn Papazian
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