Box Score DAVIDSON, N.C. – The La Salle volleyball team (7-15, 1-5 A-10) grabbed a huge conference road win, 3-1 (25-20, 18-25, 25-18, 25-19), over Davidson (3-12, 1-4 A-10) Sunday afternoon. Three Explorers recorded double digit kills, led by junior
Laura Kuhlmeier who racked up a career-high 16 kills.
"I am really pleased with the way the team competed today," added coach
Caitlin Rimgaila, who earned her first conference win as a head coach. "We had solid efforts from multiple people and were able to provide depth from our bench. All of our hitters were attacking the ball well, and finding different ways to score. Davidson is known for their blocking, however, we did a great job of balancing our attack. Winning a conference match, let alone on the road, is a huge feat for this program and I'm proud of how hard this team is working to make opportunities happen for themselves."
La Salle jumped out with a strong first set to set a tone for the entire match. Up 21-17 in the first frame, the Explorers were able to shut down a potential comeback after the Wildcats pulled things to within 22-20. A big kill from Kuhlmeier regained La Salle's momentum before two straight blocks, one a solo block from sophomore
Ashley Felton and another from Felton and junior
Michelle Healy, sealed the first set, 25-20 in favor of La Salle. Kuhlmeier provided four kills on just nine swings in the first set, while
Ashley Felton had two solo block and a block assist in the set. Freshman
Bryanna Davis controlled the back line with four digs in the frame.
Set two saw the Wildcats claw their way back into the match, winning the set 25-18. Davidson hit .378 as a team in the second frame, and that was too much for La Salle to overcome. Kuhlmeier continued to cruise in the second set adding four more digs to lead the team. Senior
Jennifer Whelan added three kills of her own in the frame, while junior
Kelly Perillo led the team with four digs.
With things tied up at one set apiece returning from the break, the Explorers came out swinging to retake control of the match. La Salle was able to jump out to a 12-6 lead which proved to be too much for the hosts to overcome late in the set. Kuhlmeier again powered the offense in the third frame knocking down six kills in just ten swings for a .400 hitting percentage. Freshman Hanna McGary provided four kills on only five swings to add a huge boost to the offense in the third frame.
Michelle Healy dished out 17 assists in the set conducting the Explorers attack.
La Salle again jumped out early in set four, and was able to build up a lead that would prove to be enough to give them to set, 25-19, and the match, 3-1. The Explorers grabbed a 10-5 lead thanks to three straight kills from Whelan, Felton and Perillo respectively.
Ashley Felton was the hot hand this set as she knocked down five kills in just seven swings for a hitting percentage of .714, and it was the sophomore who sealed the victory with a big kill to close out the match. Great team defense was played in the set, as four different Explorers provided four digs in the frame, with Davis, sophomore
Rachel Melich and Perillo all aiding in the effort.
Michelle Healy dished out her second 50+ assist performance of the season in the win. Two Explorers ended with double digit digs, Perillo with 13, and
Bryanna Davis with 12. Seven service aces helped aid the La Salle offense, as sophomore
Phoebe Cook led the way with three of her own.
La Salle finishes off its stretch of road matches next weekend as they head to in-state rivals Duquesne for a Saturday matchup before closing out their non-conference schedule on Monday at Delaware State.
