PHILADELPHIA- In a quick match that saw the Explorers building momentum throughout each set, the La Salle volleyball team trumped Lafayette in a 3-0 contest on Tuesday, August 29 at Tom Gola Arena.  The Explorers improve to 3-1 on the season as a result.

In the process, libero Jensen Sharrits broke a program record for digs in a three set match that had been in place since 2013. The Concord Township, Ohio native posted 31 digs defensively to edge to the top of the record book.

"Sharrits was ruthless on defense tonight, which allowed us to play great transition volleyball," said head coach Caitlin Schweihofer. "Every ball she touched was dug in-system, allowing our setter to have multiple attack options."

The Leopards were no match for La Salle as they charged through all three sets (25-18, 25-22, 25-18) to glide to the sweep for the third consecutive year against Lafayette. Schweihofer plans to use this momentum to propel the team through the rest of the nonconference schedule.

"We started off a bit slow tonight, but built momentum and control as the night went on," said Schweihofer. "This early in the season, all I ask is that we use every point played as a practice opportunity and a chance to get more comfortable with each other. I am excited to see what this team is fully capable of, as I don't feel we are anywhere close to our peak yet."

Rookie Samantha Graver proved to be an unstoppable force against the Leopards, as she recorded 14 kills to lead the match. The freshman added 10 digs for a double-double performance to help her team to the win.

"Graver came into her own this match, finding ways to score both cross court and down the line," said Schweihofer. "She was a versatile attacker on the outside, and was still able to score even against a solid block."

Also fueling the attack was senior Bryanna Davis, who posted 10 kills against the Leopards, while Devin Corah added seven. Reilly Lowe, Maya Barton and Madison Kuch all sent four kills over the net to provide a balanced attack.

Alyssa Cianciulli recorded four of La Salle's eight aces to total eight on the season. Graver recorded two of her own for La Salle. Kathryn Wood posted 35 of La Salle's 42 total assists to anchor the attack.

Lowe posted three block assists on the night as the Explorers downed the Leopards.Cianciulli also added 11 digs for La Salle, while Corah added six. 

La Salle will travel to Akron, Ohio for the weekend to compete in the Akron Invitational. The team will face Tennessee Tech on Friday at 4:00 p.m. to start the four-game roadtrip.