Malone vs. Roberts Wesleyan Box Score  |  Malone vs. Geneva Box Score

The Malone University volleyball team won the NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association) East Region Championship on Saturday afternoon at Mt. Vernon Nazarene University after posting victories over Robert Wesleyan (NY) College and Geneva (PA) College.  The Pioneers, seeded first among the six-team tournament field, opened the day with a 25-21, 25-19, 25-20 semifinal-round triumph over second-seeded Roberts Wesleyan.  Malone then came out on top of a back-and-forth championship game with third-seeded Geneva, pulling out the win in five sets by scores of 15-25, 25-19, 25-16, 23-25, and 15-8. 

By securing the NCCAA East Region Title, Malone earned an automatic bid to the 2011 NCCAA National Tournament which is slated to be held December 1-3 in Kissimmee, Florida.  The Pioneers, now 25-9 overall, captured their only other East Region Championship in 2000.

In the semifinal against Roberts Wesleyan, outside hitters Hannah Haver and Lauren Townley each posted a team-high nine kills.  In addition to her strong attack numbers, Haver also contributed defensively with 11 digs and three block assists.  Outside hitter Megan Fisher followed with eight kills, two service aces and 10 digs.  Setter Jackie Schwamberger added 30 assists, 12 digs and two service aces while defensive specialist Katie Hasebein served up three aces.

Against Geneva in the championship match, middle hitter Diana Wallace paced the Pioneer attack with 12 kills and four blocks (one solo).  Townley followed with 11 kills and six blocks (four solo).  Outside hitter Taylor Slauterbeck posted 10 kills.  Fisher registered nine kills and 18 digs while Haver posted nine kills, five block assists and 19 digs.  Schwamberger totaled 48 assists and 15 digs in the weekend finale.

The Pioneers, winners of 14 out of their last 16 contests, will return to regular-season action on Tuesday with a 7:00 p.m. match at Notre Dame College (9-17 overall).