La Salle vs. Coppin State Box Score
La Salle vs. Loyola Box Sfore
The La Salle women's volleyball team rebounded on day two of the La Salle Invitational, winning both of their games which to earn them a share of second place overall in the tournament. Additionally, senior Jennifer Whelan's combined all around effort earned her a spot on the all-tournament team.
 
In the opening match of day two for the Explorers, La Salle (2-2) pulled out a tight 3-2 win over Coppin State (2-2), thanks to a 15-13 fifth set win. The win was the first career victory for first year head coach Caitlin Rimgaila. In their second match of the day the Explorers jumped out to an early two set advantage and ultimately beat Loyola (0-3), 3-1.
 
"We had tremendous contributions from our entire team," added Coach Rimgaila. "Especially from Jen Whelan, who when called upon to play six rotations stepped up to the challenge and greatly helped our defensive effort."
 
La Salle fell behind early in the first set against Coppin State, but was able to fight their way back into it. With set point on the line, freshman Hannah McGary was able to throw down the kill and give the Explorers the first set, 25-23.
 
After dropping a nail biting second set, the Explorers rebounded and regained control of the match in the third set. Another freshman, Bryanna Davis, finished off a Michelle Healy assist that was set up by an Erin Noga dig to give La Salle the 25-21 set win. Junior Kelly Perillo was dominant in the third frame racking up seven kills while McGary was a perfect 2-2 attacking in the set and added two service aces.
 
After falling in the third set, the Explorers again fought back in the decisive fifth set to earn their first victory of the year.
 
With the fifth set tied at 13, Erin Noga dug a Coppin State attack, which Michelle Healy threw outside to freshman Bryanna Davis who threw it down to give the Explorers a chance to take the match with the score at 14-13. On the ensuing point, Whelan threw down a big swing to give La Salle the win.
 
Coach Rimgaila praised her defense, in particular the serve receive as a key component for their success on the day. Libero Erin Noga piled up 15 digs against Coppin State with Perillo adding 20 of her own to finish with a double-double.
 
"All pre-season we have been working diligently on our serve receive, and those efforts proved to have paid off this weekend," added Rimgaila. "Our passing game was very strong, and we were able to run our offense with multiple hitters often."
 
In the day's second game, La Salle kept their momentum rolling over the visiting Greyhounds. The Explorers distributed the ball exceptionally as no player had over 11 kills, while five players had at least five.
 
"Michele Healy did an excellent job with her set distribution, and stepped up as our court leader," said Coach Rimgaila.
 
Healy ended the day with 97 total assists, including 61 against Coppin State, which alone over doubled her previous single game high of 29.
 
After winning the opening two sets, the Explorers allowed Loyola to get back into the game and win the third set to cut the lead to 2-1. However, La Salle wouldn't be denied their second win of the season. With the score at 24-21, the defense again came up big as Whelan and McGary combined for the block that would give them the win.
 
"All three freshmen played a huge part in today's successes," praised Coach Rimgaila. "Bryanna Davis barely left the court and showed amazing physical and mental stamina through 15 sets of volleyball over the past two days. Hannah McGary and Rachel Carr made big plays at important moments, and I only see a positive future if our freshman continue to contribute the way they did this weekend."
 
La Salle returns to the court this Tuesday when they take on the Howard Bison at 7 p.m. in Tom Gola Arena. Next weekend the Explorers will travel to Towson, Md. for the Towson invitational where they will take on Coppin State, Saint Peter's and the host Tigers.
 

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La Salle Invitational All-Tournament Team
La Salle: Jennifer Whelan
NJIT: Danica Vukotic
Manhattan: Allie Yamashiro (MVP)
Manhattan: Sydney Voloski
Loyola: Molly Cichosz
Coppin State: Cindy Okpegbue