Malone vs. Ashford Box Score  |  Malone vs. Rio Grande Box Score

The Malone University volleyball team began play at its Habitat For Humanity Homecoming Tournament on Friday with wins over Ashford (IA) University and the University of Rio Grande.  The Pioneers opened the afternoon by topping the Saints in four sets by scores of 25-20, 25-21, 18-25 and 25-18.  Malone then wrapped up the first day of competition with a 25-14, 25-17, 25-20 triumph over the Red Storm.  The Pioneers' overall record climbed to 15-7 following Friday's victories.

Against Ashford, outside hitter Taylor Slauterbeck and middle hitter Diana Wallace paced the Malone attack with 13 kills apiece.  Outside hitter Megan Fisher followed with 12 kills and eight digs.  Middle hitter Lauren Townley posted 10 kills while fellow middle hitter Hannah Haver registered eight kills, two service aces, ten digs and three blocks (one solo).  Setter Jackie Schwamberger dished out 50 assists and scooped up 10 digs.  Outside hitter Kimberly McCracken also made solid contributions with 10 digs.

In Friday's finale with Rio Grande, Haver led the way with 14 kills, eight digs and two solo blocks.  Fisher followed with 13 kills and five digs.  Slauterbeck notched eight kills.  Townley recorded four kills, three service aces and four blocks (two solo) while Schwamberger posted 32 assists and five digs.

The Habitat For Humanity Homecoming Tournament will continue on Saturday at Osborne Hall with a full slate of contests.  Malone will take on Bluefield (VA) College at 10:00 a.m. before wrapping up the weekend with a 12:00 p.m. match against Shawnee State University.  Click here for a complete tournament schedule.