South Orange, NJ - In the first match of the Seton Hall Spikefest, the La Salle Explorers were pushed to the max in a five game match with Hartford. The Explorers came out on top, winning by scores of 32-30, 26-30, 30-21, 30-26, 15-12 at Walsh Gym

Freshman Caitlin Conner (Willow Springs, IL/Lyons Township) turned in the best hitting percentage of the match at .467, after dropping eight kills on Hartford with only one error. Conner also assisted on 49 La Salle kills and added 13 digs.

It was the upperclassmen who led the way on offense for the Explorers, with senior Robyn Wright (Salem, OH/Salem) and junior Lauren Woods (Akron, OH/Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy) each contributing 14 kills. Freshman Samantha Takacs (Columbus, OH/Bishop Watterson) also turned in a strong performanc with 12 kills, two assists, two digs, and assisted on two blocks.

In her first performance out of the libero position this season, Caitlin DeJong (Lansing, IL/Marian Catholic) posted a double-double with 11 kills and 10 digs. DeJong also launched three aces on Hartford.

Amanda Woods (Cincinnati, OH/McNicholas) tallied a team-best 21 digs from the libero position.

Hartford's Stephanie Volckers led all players with 25 kills and 23 digs. Setter Brianne Paulson recorded 62 assists.

La Salle will continue later Saturday afternoon in the Seton Hall Spikefest when they take on Iona.