Box Score  

The Malone University volleyball team posted a hard-fought victory at home over local rival Walsh University on Tuesday evening.  In front of a “Red Sea” of supporters, the Pioneers finished off the Cavaliers in four sets, winning by scores of 25-19, 24-26, 25-21, and 25-22.

With the victory, Malone improved its record to 7-4 overall and 3-2 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC).  Walsh, meanwhile, slipped to 3-7 overall and 1-4 in conference play.

The Pioneers trailed 14-10 midway through the decisive fourth set but continued fighting back throughout the remainder of the frame, tying the score at 18-18 and 20-20.  Walsh would then pull in front 22-20 before Malone managed to rattle off five straight points, securing the victory with kills by middle hitter Hannah Haver and outside hitter Sarah Brent and a pair of block assists by middle hitters Lauren Townley and Diana Wallace.

Haver ended the evening with a match-high 16 kills.  The senior also posted five digs and three blocks (two solo).  Townley added 13 kills, two service aces and three blocks.  Wallace and outside hitter Elizabeth Maczuzak both posted eight kills with Wallace also notching four blocks and Maczuzack tallying four aces.  Setter Jackie Schwamberger dished out 46 assists.  Libero Allison Kirby and defensive specialist Katie Hasebein also made substantial contributions, totaling 16 and nine kills, respectively.

Walsh was led by Julianne O'Donnell's 11 kills and Paige Chandler's 13 digs.

Malone will be back in action over the weekend with two more home matches against GLIAC competition.  The Pioneers will host Hillsdale (MI) College on Friday at 7:00 p.m. before taking on Northwood (MI) University on Saturday at 2:00 p.m.  Live statistics will be provided for both contests at http://livestats.prestosports.com/malone/.