PHILADELPHIA, PA - After opening the season with four straight wins, the La Salle Explorers found themselves on the short end of a 3-1 loss against Bucknell in their final match of the 2005 La Salle Invitational.  The Explorers lost by scores of 24-30, 21-30, 30-28, 27-30 at Tom Gola Arena on Sunday.

La Salle fell behind two games to none, before showing the Bucknell Bison what they are made of and stole game three 30-28 to force a fourth game.  In game four, the Bison pushed ahead and squeaked out a 30-27 win to claim the match.

The Explorers recieved an offensive push from freshman Christa Domnick who knocked down 15 kills and tallied an impressive .462 hitting percentage on 26 attempts with just three errors.  Senior Abby Means landed 10 kills on the Bison to assist in La Salle's efforts.  Setter Caitlin Conner posted 47 assists for the match and knocked down three kills.

On the defensive end, Carolyn Judge fell just one dig short of the match-high with 24.  Dominick was strong at the net, posting La Salle's lone solo block of the mathc and two assisted blocks.

Bucknell was led by Jenna Henderson with a match-high 16 kills, followed by sarah Groman with 15.  Groman posted a strong line with 15 kills, five errors and 23 attempts for a .435 hitting percentage.

On defense for the Bison, libero Chelsea Anderson led all players with 25 digs.  Bucknell also got defensive help from Kristen Sydlowski with 15 digs and Henderson added 11.

At the net for the Bison, Groman earned five assisted blocks and Jennie Smith tallied four assisted blocks in the win.

La Salle will hit the road this Wednesday, when they travel to the Main Line to take on Villanova at 7:00 p.m.