College Volleyball
La Salle University 3, Rider University 0
PHILADELPHIA, Pa.?Despite the 22nd career ?double-double' from junior Lacey Johnson, the Broncs were swept by the Explorers in a non-conference match Wednesday. “I thought our intensity improved and we played better than we did when we played La Salle last weekend,” said head coach Emily Ahlquist. “We passed the ball better and we had better communication. We still made some errors and that was the difference in the match against a good team like La Salle.”
La Salle (3-2) defeated Rider (0-5) Wednesday night by scores of 30-23, 30-28, 30-28 after defeating the Broncs three games to one last Saturday at the Temple Invitational.
Johnson (Aurora, Colo./Grandview) had 14 digs and 10 kills for her second 'double-double' of the season with sophomore Amy Jeary (Depew, N.Y./St. Mary's) adding 13 digs.
“Jeary played well,” said Ahlquist. “She is finally getting healthy and playing like she did last season.”
“It's been hard because we've had so many players out with injuries,” said Jeary. “We just seemed a step behind La Salle tonight but with practice and continued hard work, we will play better.”
Rookie Elyse Grassmuck (Seguin, Texas/La Vernia) had 21 assists, nine digs, six kills and three blocks with fellow rookie Amanda Piccolini adding 14 assists. Sophomore Brittany Hayes (Mitchelleville, Md./Elizabeth Seton) had five blocks to pace the defense.
“We had some good rallies,” Jeary added. “But then we would miss a critical serve or make a mental mistake. Those unforced errors are correctable as we play together more so we are able to take some positives out of the first five matches.”
“Overall, we were able to utilize a lot of players and that experience is going to help us as we get into the conference schedule,” Ahlquist added. “It was a balanced attack tonight. Both teams played well and the better team won. With continued improvement that could change in a few weeks and that's what we need to build toward.”
Rider travels to the Quinnipiac Invitational September 7-8 to play Quinnipiac, Providence and UMBC.
“I definitely saw improvement over the last five days,” Jeary added. “We look stronger and are playing better and playing the same team, you can see that improvement. We just need to make that final push and win some of the games. La Salle is a good club but the points we are losing are mostly unforced errors and that's something that can be corrected.”
“We had some communication breakdowns and made some mental mistakes but in the next nine days of practice before we play again, we can correct those things,” Ahlquist added. “Even though we haven't won this season, the errors we are making are correctable and we are more competitive than our record indicates. We have to stay positive and try not to get frustrated.”
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