Box Score

Towson, Md. - La Salle (2-4) dropped the opener of the Towson Invitational in straight sets 3-0 (18-28, 13-25, 16-25) to the Coppin State Eagles (3-2). Sophomore Ashley Felton led the Explorers with six kills with junior Michelle Healy adding in 20 assists and nine digs. Libero Erin Noga led the defensive effort tallying 11 digs on the day, her fifth straight match in double figures.
 
The Explorers allowed the Eagles to jump out to an early lead and were never quite able to rebound in set one. They fell behind 9-17 but battled back to make the set a battle. Three straight points for La Salle started with a block by senior Jennifer Whelan and freshman Rachel Carr, was followed by a big Whelan kill to cut the Eagle lead to 14-18. However, the lead was too much for the Explorers to overcome as they fell 25-18. Four Explorers had multiple kills in set one including; freshman Bryanna Davis, junior Kelly Perillo, Whelan and junior Laura Kuhlmeier.
 
La Salle came out ready to battle in set two and was lead early on by Felton. With the score at 5-6, she already had three kills and assisted on a block in the second set alone. After Coppin went on a mini run, Whelan provided a big kill to cut the gap to 7-9. Coppin proved to have too much firepower in set two though, pushing their lead late in the set to ultimately give them the set 25-13. Felton led the team with three kills in the set with Davis providing two of her own.
 
Despite Coppin State jumping out to an early lead in set three, the Explorers again showed great resiliency. Three straight points including a Perillo kill, junior Erin Noga ace and Eagle error cut the early Coppin State lead to 6-9. Despite falling behind 9-19 the Explorers again fought back. Four straight points included a Davis kill and McGary ace to cut the lead to 13-19 and force an Eagle timeout. However, Coppin was able to regain their composure and take set three for the win.
 
The Explorers will return to action tomorrow in day two of the Towson Invitational as they take on Saint Peter's and Towson at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. respectively. Live stats and video will be available for both matches and can be found on the tournament's web page.