Box Score Box Score

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – La Salle dropped a tough 3-0 (13-25, 16-25, 19-25) to instate foe Duquesne Saturday afternoon. Junior Kelly Perillo and senior Jennifer Whelan paced the Explorers with seven kills each.
 
The Explorers (7-16, 1-6 A-10) battled out of the gate in the first set; however, it was a late Dukes (11-9, 4-3 A-10) run that would seal the set in their favor. La Salle had the set within 9-7 in the early going, but Duquesne would get hot going on a 10-2 run to create some separation that the Blue and Gold couldn't combat. Kelly Perillo had three kills in the first frame to pace the Explorers. Perillo and freshman Bryanna Davis each had four digs in the first set.
 
The second set saw much of the same, as La Salle was all notched up at 7-7 in the early going, but the host Dukes would get hot later in the set to grab a 2-0 lead heading into the break. With things at 15-13, Duquesne would go on to score 10 of 13 points to close out the set. Freshman Hanna McGary added three kills on just six swings for an efficient second set.
 
La Salle had their best showing of the day in the third set as they fought to the very end. Down 20-12 in the third set, the Explorers pulled out four straight points and ultimately were able to close the gap to just 23-19 after a Jennifer Whelan kills, but the host were able to regain their composure and pull out the set 25-19 and the match 3-0. Whelan paced the Explorers with a strong third set of four kills on just six swings for a .667 hitting percentage. McGary had another strong set as she added two kills and a service ace.
 
Michelle Healy added 23 sets on the night and a service ace. Junior Laura Kuhlmeier added 11 digs in the defensive effort.
 
The Explorers take a break from conference play to close out the nonconference schedule with a Monday night trip to Delaware State.