Marian Box Score  |  Aquinas Box Score

The Malone University volleyball team began play at Taylor University's Trojan Challenge in Upland, Indiana on Friday with a pair of hard-fought, five-set victories. The Pioneers, now 6-0 on the season following Friday's action, began the day facing a two sets to none deficit in their match against Marion (IN) University. However, Malone managed to rally back, claiming the final three sets to take the contest 18-25, 21-25, 25-7, 25-15, 15-13. Later in the evening, the Pioneers found themselves down two sets to one against Aquinas (MI) College but the squad once again clawed back to record a 24-26, 25-23, 13-25, 25-21, 15-12 victory.

In Friday's opener against Marian, outside hitter Jennifer Gahagan led the way with 14 kills, 11 digs and two solo blocks. Middle hitter Lauren Townley followed with 13 kills. Middle hitter Hannah Haver added 10 kills and nine digs. Outside hitter Lori Gale posted nine kills, three service aces, and 12 digs while setter Jackie Schwamberger dished out 40 assists.

Against Aquinas in Friday's finale, Gahagan piled up 19 kills, 10 digs and five blocks (three solo). Haver followed with 14 kills and seven digs. Townley notched seven kills and five blocks. Other contributors included Gale with six kills, three blocks (one solo) and three aces and Schwamberger with 43 assists.

Malone continues play at the Trojan Challenge on Saturday with two more contests. The Pioneers open the day at 11:00 a.m. by facing NAIA #11 Indiana Tech and then wrap-up the weekend with a 2:00 p.m. showdown against Saint Ambrose (IA) University.