Box Score
La Salle vs. VCU Box (PDF)
 
RICHMOND, VA – The Explorers returned to the road on Friday evening, dropping a 3-0 decision to the Atlantic 10 conference leading VCU (25-14, 25-13, 25-11). Kelly Perillo led the Blue & Gold with 8 kills (.114) and 8 digs. Rachel Melich collected 13 assists and 4 digs.
 
La Salle entered Friday night hoping to spring the upset against the red-hot Rams. The Rams (23-5; 10-1 A-10) entered tonight's matchup on a five-match winning streak, winning twelve of thirteen overall. VCU controlled the Explorers with stifling defense, out-digging the Blue & Gold 52-32 en-route to a .298 to -.011 hitting advantage. The Rams also held a substantial serving advantage, racking up seven service aces in the contest.
 
The match began competitively, as the Explorers held their own, tying the Rams at 1-1, 3-3, and 5-5 through the early portions of the first set. A 7-1 run by the Rams opened up the VCU lead at 12-7. The Blue & Gold did not back down despite the five point deficit, rallying to take the next three points. However, another Rams run, this time a 6-3 point advantage, re-established the comfortable advantage at 18-12. Although the Explorers would cut the deficit to four, a subsequent 7-0 run downed the Explorers in the opening set.
 
Nursing a 1-0 set lead, the Rams jumped out to an early lead in the second set at 6-2. The Explorers battled back, compounding a 6-1 run to tie the set score at 7 apiece. A subsequent 6-1 run by VCU opened up the set again for the Rams, a lead they would not relinquish. The Blue & Gold cut the deficit to three at 13-10 on a kill from Rachel Melich, but that was as close as the Explorers would come in the swing set. Another 6-1 run by the Rams dashed any hopes of an Explorer comeback in the middle frame.
 
With their backs against the ropes, the Explorers hung tough through the early going of the decisive third set. However, trailing the Rams by one at 5-4, VCU put together a pivotal 7-1 run, prompting a La Salle timeout. Unfortunately, it was too little too late for the Explorers, as the Rams continued to extend their sizeable lead, coasting to the three set victory.
 
Sophomore outside hitter Kelly Perillo led the Explorers with 8 kills (.114) and 8 digs. It was a positive sign for the Blue & Gold, as she now has notched 7+ kills in back to back matches.
 
Junior middle hitter Jennifer Whelan added 4 kills (.111) and 3 digs.
 
Junior setter Rachel Melich led Explorers with 13 of the teams 16 total assists. She also contributed 1 kill and 4 digs.
 
Sophomore libero Erin Noga led the Blue & Gold with 12 digs. This was her second straight game with double-digit digs.
 
The Explorers (1-27; 0-10 A-10) return to action next Friday, as they travel to Dayton to take on the Flyers.