The Malone University volleyball team, under the direction of veteran head coach Tanya Hockman, opened its 2010 campaign over the weekend by winning its own Malone Invitational among a seven-team field. The Pioneers swept all four of their weekend matches, posting straight-set wins over Union (KY) College and Grace (IN) College on Friday before tallying four-set triumphs over Bluefield (VA) College and Campbellsville (KY) University on Saturday. Outside hitter Jennifer Gahagan and setter Jackie Schwamberger played key roles in Malone's four weekend victories and were both recognized with All-Tournament Team honors at the conclusion of the event.

The Pioneers will return to action next weekend (Sept. 3-4) with four matches at the Taylor University Invitational in Upland, Indiana.

See below for highlights of each of Malone's matches in addition to the Invitational's final standings, and a complete list of All-Tournament Team representatives:

Malone def. Union 36-34, 25-18, 25-15
Outside hitter Lori Gale blasted 12 kills, served up three aces and tallied five digs to lead the Pioneers past the Bulldogs on Friday evening. Gahagan followed closely with 11 kills while also posting three aces, 15 digs and five blocks (two solo). Middle hitter Hannah Haver added eight kills, 12 digs and three blocks. Right-side hitter Megan Fisher notched seven kills while Schwamberger dished out 38 assists and scooped up eight digs.
Box Score

Malone def. Grace 25-22, 25-13, 25-17
Malone picked up its second win of the night behind Gahagan's nine kills and five blocks. Middle hitter Lauren Townley followed with six kills and six blocks. Fisher notched five kills while Schwamberger recorded four kills and 23 assists. Gale and Haver each added four kills apiece and server Allison Kirby posted five aces.
Box Score

Malone def. Bluefield 25-12, 25-16, 23-25, 25-12
The Pioneers picked up where they left off on Friday as Gahagan smashed a whopping 16 kills to go with 10 digs and five blocks (one solo). Townley followed with 10 kills and four blocks (one solo), Haver tallied nine kills and six blocks (one solo), while Gale recorded eight kills and seven digs. Right-side hitter Emily Beiting notched a team-high 11 digs while Schwamberger continued her strong play with 39 assists.
Box Score

Malone def. Campbellsville 28-30, 25-21, 25-17, 27-25
The final match of the tournament was the closest for Malone as Gahagan led the way once again in the Pioneers' four-set victory over the Tigers with 14 kills, 19 digs and five blocks. Gale posted 10 kills and 11 digs and Haver registered eight kills and five blocks. Other important contributors included Fisher with seven kills and three blocks, Townley with six kills and 10 blocks (three solo), Beiting with 13 digs, and Schwamberger with three aces and 40 assists.
Box Score

Click here for a complete listing of Malone Invitational Results

Malone Invitational Final Standings:
1st- Malone
2nd- Campbellsville
3rd- Roberts Wesleyan (NY)
4th- Grace
5th- Union
6th- Concordia (MI)
7th- Bluefield

All-Tournament Team:
Amanda Silva, Union
Shannon Cahill, Campbellsville
Ashley Hart, Concordia
Rachel Herrock, Roberts
Rachel Bult, Grace
Jackie Schwamberger, Malone
Jennifer Gahagan, Malone