Box Score 1 | Box Score 2
La Salle vs. Memphis Box Score (PDF)
La Salle vs. Austin Peay Box Score (PDF)

MEMPHIS – The Explorers dropped both matches of their opening day double-header of the Tiger Invitational hosted by Memphis University. The Blue & Gold fell to tournament host Memphis in match one (10-25, 6-25, 10-25), and came up short against Austin Peay in the nightcap (10-25, 20-25, 11-25). Sophomore Elena Lamping and freshman Ashley Felton led the Explorers totaling 7 kills apiece between the two matches.
 
The Explorers entered today's matches hoping to untrack an offense that has struggled with the absence of their leading hitter Kelly Perillo. The Blue & Gold were not able to get much going, as Memphis was able to stifle the shorthanded Explorers with smothering defense. The Tigers (7-4) out-dug the Exporers 49-29 en-route to the three set victory.
 
Michelle Healy and Elena Lamping led the Explorers with 3 kills apiece. Rachel Melich paced the Blue & Gold with 5 assists.
 
The defense had trouble slowing down the ferocious Memphis attack, as the Tigers hit a blistering .443 on 88 total attacks. Sophomore libero Erin Noga played solidly on the backline, leading the Explorers with 11 digs.
 
The Explorers tried to rebound against Austin Peay (3-11) in the nightcap, but again found it difficult to kick-start the scuffling offense. The Blue & Gold again found itself in a quick hole, dropping the first set against the Governors. The team dug-deep and battled hard in the second set, hanging close with Austin Peay closing the score at 18-22 late in the set. The Governors were able to hang on to take the second set, before shutting down the Explorers in the third to take the match.
 
Senior co-captain Rachel Finkbeiner led the Explorer attack with 6 kills on a strong .231 hitting percentage. Laura Kuhlmeier was able to get back on track offensively against the Governors, notching 5 kills and leading the team with 9 digs. Freshman Ashley Felton played solidly in the middle for the Explorers notching 5 kills and 2 block assists to add to her team lead.
 
Rachel Melich played a strong two-way game for the Blue & Gold, racking up 10 assists and 6 digs. This was the third straight match that she has led the Explorers in assists.
 
La Salle (1-14) returns to action tomorrow afternoon, with their final match of the Tiger Invitational against the UALR Trojans at 4:00pm EST.