PHILADELPHIA- The La Salle volleyball team made a big debut this weekend at the La Salle Invitational, winning the overall tournament and going undefeated in play. The team went 5-1 in sets played, losing only one set to Saint Francis. The Explorers opened day two of the tournament against Saint Francis, besting the Red Flash 4-1 [28-30, 23-25, 22-25, 28-30].

With freshman Devin Corah leading the charge, the Explorers captured their first win of the day over the Red Flash. Corah posted 24 kills and two service aces overall for the team. Catherine Edgington, a fellow freshman, earned seven kills for the Explorers, while senior Ashley Felton put in ten kills. Freshman Kathryn Wood proved her worth in recording 56 of the team's 62 total assists on the court. Jensen Sharrits posted four service aces against the Red Flash.

Jensen controlled the defensive fight, recording 26 digs in the win. Freshman Jennifer Edwards also made an impact defensively, posting 15 digs for the Explorers, while Corah put in 10 digs. The efforts of preseason were evident in the success of the team in their opening weekend.

"I am so proud of the team for playing as well as they did this weekend," said head coach Caitlin Schweihofer. "Our young team went up against four tough opponents this weekend, but we received solid performances across the board, and proved to be the strongest team out there. We trained extremely hard all pre-season, and our efforts in the gym this past spring and over the last few weeks showed. I look forward to seeing this team continue to strive for success throughout the season."

La Salle then took on NJIT in the final match of the tournament to secure their undefeated status. They bested the Highlanders 3-0 [25-19, 25-21, 25-16].
Bryanna Davis paced the Explorers against NJIT, recording 12 kills. Freshmen Corah and Edgington each posted eight kills in the Explorer efforts. Wood put up 27 assists on the court and Jensen recorded seven assists. Jensen again controlled the defensive battle, posting 22 digs, while Edwards earned seven digs of the Explorers 43 total.

Corah's efforts on the court earned her Most Valuable Player of the La Salle Invitational in her first weekend as an Explorer.  

"In her debut weekend in a La Salle jersey, Devin was a force to be reckoned with," said Schweihofer. "She offered us attacking options we haven't had before, and was dominate at the net. She pulled us up when we were down, and played solid, consistent volleyball throughout four matches."

Jensen was also named to the All-Tournament Team, as she continues to show her worth as a team captain for the Explorers.

"Jensen continues to impress me with not only her defensive skills, but her leadership," said Schweihofer. "She has proved herself again that she is one of the best liberos in the conference."

With the tournament trophy in their hands, the Explorers will look to continue their success this week, facing Lafayette on Tuesday in Easton, Pa. at 7:00 pm.
 
2016 La Salle Invitational  All-Tournament Team
Breanna Opera, Saint Francis University
Natashia Barker, Morgan State University
Allison Leigh, Quinnipiac University
Alejandra Rodriquez, Quinnipiac University
Adriana Nieto, New Jersey Institute of Technology
Jensen Sharrits, La Salle University
Most Valuable Player-Devin Corah, La Salle University