PHILADELPHIA—Host La Salle swept, visiting NJIT, 3-0, in the first match of the La Salle Invitational on Friday night.

The Explorers, which won in straight sets – 25-12, 25-18 and 25-15, improved to 3-4 on the year, while NJIT fell to 1-7.

The Explorers were led by Samantha Graver's match-best 14 kills followed by Devin Corah with 11.  Setter Kathryn Wood piled up 36 assists and four digs while Jensen Sharrits posted 13 digs while Elizabeth Osborn recorded 11.  Defensively, Catherin Edgington notched five block assists.

NJIT was paced by Iva Mandic's team-best seven kills.  Freshman Marissa Soistman combined for 10 assists while senior libero Adriana Nieto notched 10 digs to lead the Highlanders.

Freshman middle Marina Markaki recorded four total blocks (one solo, three assists) while Mandic notched three block assists for the visitors.

La Salle cruised to a 25-12 victory in the first frame, paced by Graver's seven kills in the set.

The Explorers continued its momentum into the second set and finished on a 7-1 spurt to close out the frame 25-18 and go ahead, 2-0.

The third set which saw four ties and three lead changes, the final tie at 13-all, after a La Salle kill.  The Explorers scored five consecutive points, grabbing an 18-13 lead and closed out the set on a 4-0 run, securing the victory, 25-15.

NJIT will return to action on Saturday against Rider (12:30pm) and Kent State (5pm).