Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

The Malone University Volleyball team opened pool play at the NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association) National Tournament in Kissimmee, Florida on Thursday with a pair of hard-fought defeats. The Pioneers, seeded seventh among the 10-team field, dropped the first match of the day to third-seeded Trinity Christian (IL) College in four sets (15-25, 22-25, 25-21, 23-25).  Malone was then upended later in the day by 10th-seeded McMurry (TX) University in straight sets 16-25, 22-25, 23-25.

The Pioneers were led in the first match by sophomore outside hitter Taylor Slauterbeck, junior middle hitter Lauren Townley and senior middle hitter Hannah Haver,, who each registered 12 kills. Slauterbeck added a team-high 17 digs while senior Jackie Schwamberger dished out 37 assists.  Right-side hitter Diana Wallace also made solid contributions with six kills and three blocks (two solo).

Slauterbeck, Townley and Haver were at it again in the afternoon match with Haver and Slauterbeck finishing with 10 kills apiece while Townley registered nine. Schwamberger's 31 assists once again paced Malone while Slauterbeck and junior Kimberly McCracken tied with a team-high eight digs.

Malone returns to action on Friday at the NCCAA National Tournament, first taking on #2 seed Shorter (GA) University (GA) at 10:00 a.m., then finishing pool play with a match against #6 Bethel (IN) College at 2:00 p.m.

Live video of Friday's matches will be available at http://www.tourbeausportsgroup.com/p/womens-volleyball-division-i-ii.html