Box Score 1 | Box Score 2
La Salle v. Delaware Box (PDF)
La Salle v. UMBC Box (PDF)

BALTIMORE - The Explorers entered the second day of the Greyhound Challenge knowing that they were to face a couple of difficult matchups against Delaware Blue Hens and UMBC Retrievers. The team hoped they could build upon the improvements they made in the second half of yesterday's match against Loyola (Md.). Unfortunately, the matchups proved to be too tough for the Explorers, as they dropped both matches in straight sets.
 
Kelly Perillo enjoyed another strong day of play, accumulating 20 kills and 15 digs. She was named to the All-Tournament Team at the conclusion of today's action, the second time she's earned the honor in as many tournaments.
 
The Explorers started the day with a late morning clash against Delaware, falling in three sets (25-17, 25-17, 25-19). Buoyed by the return of junior hitter Jennifer Whelan to the lineup, the Blue & Gold hoped that they could establish their hitting game early. While the Explorers nearly doubled their team hitting percentage from the last match, the Blue Hens hitters were on top of their game from the get-go, riding a .336 to .171 hitting advantage to the three set victory.
 
Kelly Perillo continued to pace the Explorers on offense, leading the Explorers with 10 kills (.206). Jennifer Whelan notched 4 kills (.133), 3 digs, and a service ace in her return to the La Salle lineup. Ashley Felton added 5 kills on a team leading .308 hitting percentage.
 
Rachel Melich led the Explorers with 12 assists, while Michelle Healy played a very strong two way game with 4 kills (.154), 11 assists, and 10 digs. Erin Noga led all Explorers with 15 digs.
 
The Explorers wrapped up the day with perhaps their toughest matchup of the tournament against the UMBC Retrievers. The Retrievers translated their size at the net front to advantages on both the offense and defense. UMBC outhit the Explorers (.364 to .059) and out-blocked them (9 to 2), riding these two advantages to the three set victory (25-6, 25-17, 25-15).
 
Kelly Perillo posted 10 kills (.161) to pace the Blue & Gold, her fourth straight match double-digit kills. Michelle Healy continued her two way play with an almost identical line to her first match of the day. She notched 5 kills on a team leading .200 hitting percentage, while also posting a double-double with 11 assists and 10 digs. Rachel Melich again led the Explorers with 12 assists, while also chipping in a service ace.
 
"We just were not ourselves this weekend and we were never able to get going," Rachel Melich said. "We have games to look forward to this week and [we] need to practice and prove ourselves."
 
The Explorers return to action this coming Wednesday as they travel to Rider for a 7:00pm matchup with the Broncs.