PHILADELPHIA - The Explorers will open their 2011 campaign by hosting the La Salle Invitational at Tom Gola Arena this weekend.

La Salle will kick off the tournament with a match against St. Peter's at Noon on Friday. The Explorers will then face Canisius later in the afternoon.

Live stats for all the maches can be found here.  There will also be a live video stream of La Salle's matches against St. Peter's and Providence.

“The women have worked very hard during preseason training and the team is anxious to play,” head coach Dave Stever said. “We've had many positive, enthusiastic practices over the past few weeks.”

Stever has been impressed by his group of seniors this year, which include Kourtney Clark, Alexis Little, Jacquelyn Mitrovich and Alex Kennedy.

“Senior leadership has really helped to create a great atmosphere for practice and competition,” Stever said.

Clark returns for her final season as the primary setter after leading the squad in assists last season. Mitrovich looks to continue her strong play from last season when she was the team's top blocker and compiled the second-most kills. Little and Kennedy should see increased time in the rotation and will help the team with their experience.     

Tournament play will continue on Saturday. La Salle's first match will be a 4:30 pm contest against Providence before it takes on Morgan State immediately afterward.

Can't make it to Tom Gola Arena? Sign up to receive text alerts after the conclusion of each Explorers' match!