Sept. 2, 2000

EASTON, Pa. (www.lafayette.edu) - The 1999 Patriot League champion Leopards came out roaring in their season opener at La Salle, crushing the Explorers 3-1. The defensive unit came up big for Lafayette, blanking La Salle in the first period as goalie Amy Cohen (Linwood, N.J./Mainland Regional) stopped 10 shots on the cage.

The Leopards jumped to a 1-0 lead 1:10 before the half at the hands of Beth Gulotta (Mamaroneck, N.Y./Rye Neck), assisted by Megan Monahan (Lansdale, Pa./Lansdale Catholic). A mere 23 seconds later, the Leopard attack led by a Monahan unassisted goal gave Lafayette a commanding 2-0 going into the half. Jen King (Hellertown, Pa./Saucon Valley) added a goal, assisted by Jennifer Stone (Newtown, Pa./George School), early in the second half before the Explorers shattered any hopes of a Leopards shut-out.

The lone La Salle goal was scored by Katie O'Connell off an assist by Caitlin Coupe with 21:04 left in the second period.

Lafayette's next game is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Sept. 5 at Villanova.