Philadelphia, PA - La Salle University freshman Crista Ricketts (Douglasville, PA/Daniel Boone) tied her career high 26 points as the Explorer Women's Basketball team defeated the Dayton Flyers 81-63 today, Sunday, February 22, 2004 at Tom Gola Arena.

Senior Women's Administrator Mary Ellen Wydan along with Head Coach John Miller honored seniors Kat Foley (Troy, NY/Averill Park) and Ekaterina Markova (Sophia, Bulgaria/Vassil Levski) in a pre-game ceremony before they played in their final game at Tom Gola Arena.

The Explorers shot an impressive 52.7% from the field, and 50% from three point land. Junior Meghan Wilkinson (Downingtown, PA/Downingtown) drained four three point baskets and finished the game with 16 points. She also pulled down five rebounds. Ricketts led the team in rebounds with seven, this is the third consecutive game that she has led the team in rebounds.

Junior co-captain Jill Marano (Crofton, MD/Arundel) and sophomore Shaune McLaughlin (Linwood, NJ/Mainland Regional) both added nine points. Marano led the team in assists with a career high seven. McLaughlin was 3-5 from behind the arc and dished out two assists.

La Salle sophomore Davineia Payne (Bear, De/Caravel Academy) was 4-6 from the foul line, adding six points in the victory. Freshman Jenna Graber (Highspoint, NJ/Peddie School) recorded five points, while both seniors added four a piece. Junior Monica Garrido Sanz (Majadahonda, Madrid/Majadahonda) was second on the team in rebounds with six. She also scored a bucket.

The Explorers improve to 14-11 and guaranteed themselves a winning regular season, as they have just one game left before they head into the Atlantic 10 tournament. La Salle now 7-8 in the conference will travel across town and play Temple this Thursday, February 26th at 7:00 p.m.