When the La Salle and George Washington volleyball teams clashed at the Smith Center in late September, the Explorers came away victorious in five games. With revenge on their minds, the Colonials returned the favor, narrowly escaping Tom Gola Arena with a 3-2 win on Friday evening.
The Explorers overcame a 2-0 deficit thanks in part to double-doubles from sophomores Jackie Kushman and Danielle DiMarco. Kushman led La Salle with 15 kills and a career-high 26 digs. DiMarco added 10 kills and 18 digs. Junior Christa Dominick contributed 12 kills and a game-high eight blocks.
Erin Sullivan led La Salle with 24 assists, while Carly Conlon dished out 21. Kayla Beck added 22 digs, as the Explorers dropped to 10-20 on the year and 1-9 in the Atlantic 10.
George Washington looked to blow the roof off of Gola Arena, as they came out on fire in a 30-18 victory in game one.
La Salle quickly turned the tables, taking a 17-10 lead in the second game. After calling a timeout, the Colonials stormed back to pull within one at 17-16, and eventually tying the score at 23. The two teams traded points the rest of the game. GW finally won the seesaw battle by a 34-32 score.
With their backs to the wall, La Salle turned the intensity up a level. Looking nothing like the team that showed up in the first game, the Explorers took a 30-27 decision in game three, and managed to squeak by the Colonials in the fourth game, 30-28, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
With the momentum on their side and the crowd behind them, the stage was set for the Explorers to complete the improbable come from behind victory. Unfortunately it was not to be, as the Colonials jumped out to a 9-3 lead and held on for a decisive 15-8 victory.
The Colonials' Janine Brown led all players with 26 kills, while adding 23 digs. Liz Moult added 20 kills off of the bench. Jess Buche had a match-high 36 assists, while Leah Hills had a team-high 25 digs for GW, who improved to 12-13 (4-5) on the season.
La Salle looks to rebound when they host Fordham tomorrow afternoon. The action gets underway from Tom Gola Arena at 1 p.m.
