Mount Vernon Nazarene Box Score  |  Roberts Wesleyan Box Score

The Malone University volleyball team earned a runner-up finish at the NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association) East Region Tournament on Saturday afternoon after tallying a 1-1 record in matches with Mount Vernon Nazarene University and the event's host, Roberts Wesleyan (NY) College. The Pioneers dropped a hard-fought, five-set match to MVNU in the opener 25-19, 23-25, 21-25, 25-19, 7-15 before bouncing back to take the finale against the host Raiders in three sets 25-16, 27-25, 25-19. Mount Vernon Nazarene won all four of its matches at the event to claim the East Region Title and earn an automatic bid to the NCCAA National Tournament that will be held in Kissimmee, Florida December 2-4. Malone, now 25-5 overall, could still potentially compete at the NCCAA National Tournament if it receives an at-large bid.

Outside hitter Jennifer Gahagan pounded 23 kills and scooped up 19 digs to lead the way for the Pioneers against MVNU. Fellow outside hitter Lori Gale notched 14 kills and 12 digs while middle hitter Hannah Haver posted 12 kills and 10 digs. Other contributors included right-side hitter Megan Fisher with nine kills, middle hitter Lauren Townley with six kills and seven blocks (four solo), right-side hitter Emily Beiting with 18 digs and setter Jackie Schwamberger with 50 assists and 15 digs.

Against Roberts Wesleyan, Haver led the way with 10 kills, eight digs and four blocks (one solo). Townley registered nine kills and three block assists. Gahagan recorded eight kills and eight digs while Fisher posted five kills. Schwamberger tallied 29 assists to go with ten digs and Beiting added three service aces.

Malone will be back in action on Tuesday with a 7:00 p.m. non-conference match at NCAA Division II Tiffin University.