Aquinas Box Score  |  Northwestern Ohio Box Score

The Malone University volleyball team kept rolling Saturday on the second day of the Canton Comfort Inn Invitational, extending its season-opening winning streak to 13 with triumphs over Aquinas (MI) College and the University of Northwestern Ohio. The Pioneers, ranked 24th in the most recent NAIA National Poll, topped the Saints 25-7, 26-24, 22-25, 25-13 before downing the Racers in straight sets, 25-8, 25-21, 25-18. With the two victories, Malone claimed the Canton Comfort Inn Invitational Championship by one point over co-host Walsh University, which also won all four of its weekend matches. In recognition of their outstanding play throughout the event, outside hitters Lori Gale and Jennifer Gahagan were each recognized with All-Tournament Team honors.

At 13-0, Malone is off to the best start in head coach Tanya Hockman's 12-year coaching career. In addition, the Pioneers' 13-match winning streak is the longest since the squad won 15 consecutive contests midway through its 2001campaign.

Against Aquinas, Gale blasted 14 kills with nine digs. Middle hitter Hannah Haver added 13 kills and seven digs while Gahagan totaled 10 kills, three service aces and five digs. Right-side hitter Megan Fisher followed with seven kills and three blocks (one solo), middle hitter Lauren Townley posted six kills and four blocks, right-side hitter Emily Beiting scooped up 11 digs and setter Jackie Schwamberger contributed 45 assists, two aces and two blocks (one solo).

In the weekend finale against Northwestern Ohio, Gahagan ripped nine kills with five aces and three blocks (two solo). Gale added eight kills with two aces and six digs. Schwamberger dished out 27 assists while also notching seven kills and five digs. Fisher also posted seven kills while Haver and Townley registered four kills apiece.

In Saturday's other matches at Malone's Osborne Hall, Notre Dame (OH) College fell to Northwestern Ohio 25-19, 25-12, 25-16 before losing to Aquinas 25-10, 25-15, 25-14.

The Pioneers will return to action next weekend as the squad travels to Marion, Indiana to compete at the Indiana Wesleyan Invitational. Malone will open play on Friday with a 2:00 p.m. match against Goshen (IN) College before facing the host Wildcats at 6:30 p.m. Then on Saturday, the Pioneers will take on Bethel (IN) College at 10:00 a.m. and Trinity International (IL) University at 12:15 p.m.

Click Here For A Listing of Invitational Results, Final Standings, and All-Tournament Team Selections