Sept. 26, 2008

Box Score

Philadelphia, PA – It was neck-and-neck in the fifth and final set, but a service error by Rhode Island’s Kalyn Klaess gave the Explorers the win, 3-2 (25-20, 25-22, 16-25, 21-25, 15-12), and their first conference victory of the season.

La Salle opened up the match with a 2-0 lead, but the Rams of Rhode Island refused to let up and eventually went on to take the next two consecutive sets to tie everything up at two apiece. However, the Rams were outmatched in the fifth set as the Explorers recorded a .308 (11-3-26) hitting percentage to Rhode Island’s .115 (6-3-26) hitting percentage.

Senior Jackie Kushman led all contestants with 18 kills and also recorded 19 digs for one of La Salle’s two double-doubles. Junior Rachel Stemper was next in line as she registered the Explorers’ second double-double with 11 kills, 13 digs, one service ace and an assisted block.

Freshman Kourtney Clark attributed 46 of her team’s 49 assists on the night. Libero Tammi Jones knotched a match-high 28 digs and senior Christa Dominick recorded a match-high as well with five solo blocks.

For Rhode Island, four players posted double-digit kills and sophomore Lindsay Lytle led all with a match-high 52 assists. Lytle also added the only service ace on the evening for Rhode Island.

The Explorers (4-11, 1-1) return to action on Saturday, September 27 as they take on the Fordham Rams. This match, which was scheduled to take place at Tom Gola Arena, has now been moved to McGonigle Hall on the campus of Temple University and the time has been changed from 2:00 p.m. to noon.