Box Score

The Malone University volleyball team concluded its regular-season schedule on Saturday afternoon with a three-set, non-conference victory at Shawnee State University. The Pioneers had posted a narrow five-set triumph over the Bears at Osborne Hall earlier in the season, but it took just three frames on Saturday as Malone prevailed by scores of 26-24, 25-14, and 25-22. The win improved the Pioneers' record to 30-7 overall, marking the second consecutive year and eighth time in school history that Malone has recorded at least 30 victories. Shawnee State, meanwhile, dropped to 31-9 after suffering just its second home loss of the season.

Outside hitter Jennifer Gahagan led Malone's balanced attack with 13 kills, three aces, and six digs. Middle hitter Lauren Townley followed with nine kills. Middle hitter Hannah Haver posted eight kills with three block assists. Right side hitter Megan Fisher added seven kills while outside hitter Lori Gale tallied six kills and seven digs. Setter Jackie Schwamberger recorded 41 assists and defensive specialist Emily Beiting contributed a team-high nine digs.

Malone finished third in the American Mideast Conference regular-season standings and will travel to Mt. Vernon Nazarene University on Saturday to compete in the AMC Postseason Tournament. The third-seeded Pioneers will open play at the event with a 2:00 p.m. match against second-seeded Walsh University. The winner of the Malone-Walsh contest will then move on to the event's championship match on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. The winner of this five-team, single-elimination tournament will receive the AMC's lone automatic bid to the NAIA National Tournament.