Sara Copare recorded her first collegiate point with an assist on La Salle's lone goal.

RICHMOND, Va. – Facing one of its toughest opponents so far this season, the La Salle University Women’s Soccer team dropped a 2-1 decision to the 25-ranked William and Mary Tribe, Friday afternoon, in the first game of the VCU/Ewing Sports Invitational at Sports Backers Stadium on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth.

The Tribe, ranked 25^th by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)/adidas national poll, opened the scoring with just 24 seconds left in the first half. Off a free kick by Tiffany Chuboda, Donna Mataya headed the ball past Explorer sophomore goalie Lauren Malizia to give W&M a 1-0 lead at the 44:36 mark.

La Salle (1-4) showed resolve by knotting the match just 15 minutes after intermission. Sophomore Dana Giordano took a pass from freshman Sara Copare and scored with a shot just inside the left post from five-yards out in the 60^th minute.

W&M (4-1) again capitalized in the closing minutes, this time with less than seven minutes. Katie Hogwood picked up a cross from Danielle Collins and tallied the game-winner at the 83:35 mark.

Despite losing three of their first four games, the Explorers had outshot their previous four opponents by a 56-36 margin. The Tribe limited La Salle’s chances and held a 20-7 shot advantage and did not allow a single corner, taking six of their own.

Malizia made six saves in the game, while the Tribes Meghan Walker registered three saves.

La Salle will play its final game of the Invitational against the host Rams, Sunday at 3 PM.