La Salle scored two goals in the games first six minutes and went on to defeat the Canisius College women's soccer team 5-0 the season opener for both schools Sunday afternoon in Philadelphia, Pa.

Renee Washington opened the scoring for the Explorers at the two-minute mark of the game with assists from Jess Hopton and Leigh Gray. Gray continued the scoring 3:21 later as she scored her first of two goals on the day. The Explorers would take a 4-0 lead into halftime after goals from Anna Dolhansky and Dani Allizo. In the second half, Gray capped off the game's scoring with the team's fifth tally in the 66th minute.

Junior Caroline Robert started the game in net for the Griffs, and senior goalkeeper Lesley Ivinac came on in the second half to make three saves on four shots. Juniors Jenny Griffin and Kelly Reinwald  recorded the team's only shots-on-goal as the Explorers outshot the Griffs 22-6. The Blue and Gold had three corner kick opportunities but were unable to cash in.

"All we can do is work on our weaknesses," Canisus head coach Jim Wendling said. "We have a good group and I'm looking forward to a good week of practice to prepare us for our home opener."

Canisius will look to bounce back when the team hosts St. Francis (Pa.) on Friday, Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. at the Demske Sports Complex. Time Warner SportsNet will be broadcasting the game throughout New York state on a tape delay basis. That game will be reaired on Aug. 28 at 3 p.m. and Aug. 31 at 10 p.m.

Game Notes: Canisius is now 1-1-1 in season openers under Wendling...Five Canisius players played in their first career games as a Griff with three freshman players getting the start (Katie Griffin,Adrianna Suk and Brianna Smith)...The win for La Salle evens the all-time series record between the two schools at 2-2... La Salle was selected sixth out of 14 teams in the preseason Atlantic 10 Women's Soccer poll.