Malone vs. Nyack Box Score  |  Malone vs. Mt. Vernon Nazarene Box Score

The Malone University volleyball team began its weekend at the NCCAA East Region Tournament on Friday by pocketing a pair of victories in pool-play matches with Nyack (NY) College and the event's host, Mt. Vernon Nazarene University.  The Pioneers, seeded first among the six-team field, opened the day with a 25-16, 21-25, 25-12, 25-13 triumph against fifth-seeded Nyack.  Malone then swept fourth-seeded MVNU in three sets, winning 25-12, 25-22, 25-20.  The Pioneers improved their overall record to 23-9 with Friday's victories. 

By winning its pool, Malone bypasses Saturday's quarterfinal round, earning a direct bid to the 12:00 p.m. semifinals.  The winners of the semifinal matches will then square off in the NCCAA East Region Championship contest later Saturday afternoon.

Against Nyack, middle hitter Hannah Haver led the way with 15 kills.  Outside hitter Megan Fisher followed with 13 kills, three service aces and 11 digs.  Middle hitter Lauren Townley added 12 kills and four block assists.  Setter Jackie Schwamberger also made solid contributions with 39 assists, 11 digs and a pair of service aces.

In Friday's pool-play finale against Mount Vernon Nazarene, Townley registered a team-high 11 kills and four block assists.  Haver followed with 10 kills and six digs.  Fisher posted eight kills, 11 digs and two service aces.  Middle hitter Diana Wallace tallied seven kills and a solo block while Schwamberger racked up 35 assists, five digs, four service aces, and three kills.