Box Score
La Salle v. Weber State Box (PDF)

PHILADELPHIA - The Explorers entered the Crowne Plaza Invitational hoping that returning to the friendly confines of Philadelphia would help them turn around a tough stretch of play on the road. Up first for the Explorers this weekend was a difficult matchup with the Weber State Wildcats, who were looking to end a six match losing stretch themselves. The Wildcats bid won out, as they were able to dispatch the Explorers in straight sets (26-24, 25-18, 25-15).
 
The first set was a back and forth battle with both teams exchanging points. The Explorers jumped out to a late 24-22 lead in the first set, but were unable to close out the scrappy Wildcats, ultimately falling 26-24.
 
The second set was another scrappy battle between the two squads, with the score knotted at 12 apiece midway through the set. From that point the Wildcats went on a 13 to 5 run to take control of the set and ultimately the match, taking the third set 25-15.
 
Sophomore hitter Laura Kuhlmeier led the Explorers with 10 kills (.217) and 6 digs. Standout sophomore Kelly Perillo was held relatively in-check by the Wildcats defense, as she posted only 7 kills (.174). This snapped Perillo's streak of six consecutive matches posting double-digit kills. Junior Jennifer Whelan posted 5 kills and led the Blue & Gold with a .300 hitting percentage.
 
Sophomore Michelle Healy fed the Explorer attack with regularity, leading the team with 15 assists and registering 2 service aces. Junior co-captain Rachel Melich posted 11 assists for the Blue & Gold.
 
Sophomore libero Erin Noga led the Explorers with 9 digs, while also posting 2 service aces.
 
La Salle is back in action tomorrow with a double-header action against Big 5 rival Temple at 10:00am before concluding the tournament action against American at 4:00pm.