La Salle locks down non-league road win over North Penn

TOWAMENCIN >> Missing four of its starters, La Salle dug deep.

The Explorers displayed the versatility of their roster Friday night and held off a determined North Penn squad, winning 3-0 on the road in a non-league match at NP.

The Explorers pulled away to a 25-15 win in the first set, battled past the Knights 25-23 in the second, and then closed it out, 25-19, to continue its surge.

Said senior Owen Huy, who helped lead the way with nine kills and four blocks: “I think we’re just gonna keep evolving, doing better and better each game.”

The Explorers also drew from senior Connor O’Brien (six kills, three blocks) and William Keffer (five kills) to build their momentum heading into a road PCL match at Lansdale Catholic Monday.

Daniel Van Thuyne, Matt McNesby, Brendan O’Connor and Sam Johnsson also filled significant roles for the Explorers.

“We have a pretty deep team so it was pretty fun to give opportunity and see some guys rise to the occasion,” said coach Jason Eisele. “Being a District 12 team, the only way we can try to compete and stay ahead is to get a lot of Suburban One matches. The SOL has really helped us build a program.

“So we try to give back and give SOL teams a great look and everything. The relationship between us and Suburban One is really awesome.”

The Explorers were able to turn it up a notch at the end of each set.

“I feel like when we get that set point, it just goes from there,” said Huy.

The defending District 12 Champs took another step on Friday night.

North Penn (3-10), which travels to Central Bucks South Tuesday, continues to grow on the court. Jack Woodland, Aaron Birkmire and Cullen McCann along with Caden Wine, Caleb An, Ryan Huang and Mohammad Rusafi all made key contributions for the Knights.

“I thought the guys did pretty well today,” said coach Josh Ford. “We did some different lineup stuff, worked in some of the younger guys. I think the future is bright and if we keep working on being consistent, the wins will start to come back.

“When they get going – just the energy from the bench and on the floor, cheering and going nuts for each other and having a good time, that’s what we wanna see. I like the potential and the individual and team growth. I’m looking forward to seeing what the rest of the season brings.”