DAYTON, OHIO — #1 Dayton extended its winning streak to 12 matches with a 3-1 victory over #8 La Salle on Friday in the 2025 Atlantic 10 Championship. The Flyers dominated the second half to secure the tournament title, improving to 14-3-2 while the Explorers fell to 7-8-3 after consecutive losses.
La Salle struck first when Justyce Hollenbach scored in the 14th minute, giving the eighth-seeded Explorers an early advantage. The goal provided momentum for the visitors, but Dayton's defense regrouped and controlled possession for the remainder of the first half. The Flyers generated 22 shot attempts compared to La Salle's five, though the first-half deficit proved temporary.
Liv Grenda equalized for Dayton in the 35th minute with an assist from Laney Smith, tying the match at 1-1 heading into halftime. The goal shifted momentum decisively toward the top-seeded hosts, who had been applying sustained pressure throughout the opening 45 minutes. La Salle's defense struggled to contain Dayton's attacking movement, particularly on the wings.
The second half proved decisive. Olivia Baca restored Dayton's lead in the 67th minute off a Molly Russell assist, giving the Flyers a 2-1 advantage. Baca's finish came after a scramble in the box, capitalizing on La Salle goalkeeper Mackenna Yaracs' inability to secure