Junior duo enter into the 1,000 dig club despite ninth straight loss

In hopes to break their seven-game losing skid, the women’s volleyball team wrapped up their three-game road trip against the Rhode Island Rams. Earlier in the season, the Explorers downed URI at home in a thrilling 3-2 victory. That was the past, though, and this upcoming contest was on Rhode Island’s turf.
Having difficulties procuring a win on the road has troubled the Blue and Gold all season, and this game would further exemplify the problem.
After trailing 10-4 in the opening set, La Salle couldn’t cut the deficit and eventually fell to the Rams 25-18.
The second and third matches were similar with Rhode Island scrambling to an early lead and never looking back. Now dropping their 12th straight loss away from 20th and Olney, the Explorers last  victory away dates back to September against Rider.
In the face of another conference shutout, senior Alex Kennedy manufactured a season-high nine kills, while junior Breanna Mazalewski posted nine digs.
Next up for La Salle was Xavier, who currently stood second in the Atlantic 10 standings. The Musketeers may have had a better record than the Blue and Gold, but this did not seem to worry La Salle at all.
The first set proved to be a dog fight that resulted in nine ties. The Explorers controlled the score with an 11-9 lead, but Xavier came surging back, finishing 11-1, to down La Salle in the opening round. The Musketeers would ultimately come up victorious, winning 25-17.
Xavier seemed to carry their momentum over to the second set, but the Explorers climbed back from behind to trail by one, 19-18. Sadly for the home team, the kill by fourth-year starter Kennedy would be La Salle’s last celebration. The Musketeers earned the set’s next four points on a service ace to ultimately close the second match, 25-21.
As for the third set, La Salle’s energy seemed deflated from the previous sets. Xavier came storming out with a bang to defeat La Salle with a 25-9 victory.
Despite another A-10 loss, the junior tandem of Samantha Tulskie and Mazalewski joined the 1,000 dig club. Tulskie recorded hers in the first set against Xavier, whereas Mazalewski entered the prominent club in Friday’s contest at Rhode Island.
With two games left on the season and the A-10 tournament off in the horizon, the Explorers will look to finish their 2011 season on a high note.
Dayton will travel to Tom Gola Arena to challenge Blue and Gold at home on Friday, Nov. 11.
waltersj1@student.lasalle.edu