Box Score

The Malone University volleyball team endured a hard-fought road loss Tuesday night in its season-opening match against former conference foe Cedarville University.  The Pioneers and Yellow Jackets, both previously members of the American Mideast Conference, split the first two sets of the evening with Malone taking the opener 25-23 before Cedarville evened things up with a 25-14 triumph in the second set.  The Pioneers took set three 25-16 before the Yellow Jackets rallied back to take the match, edging MU 25-22 in the fourth frame and 15-13 in the decisive fifth set.

Cedarville, which had opened the year with four victories at the Indiana (PA) University Invitational this past weekend, improved to 5-0 with Tuesday's victory.  Malone, now 0-1, will be back in action over the weekend with four contests at the Lock Haven (PA) University Classic.  The Pioneers will open the event on Friday with a 2:00 p.m. match-up against the host Lady Eagles and an 8:00 p.m. contest against Alderson-Broaddus (WV) College.  Then on Saturday, Malone will face Long Island University Post (NY) at 9:00 a.m. before wrapping up the weekend with a 1:00 p.m. match against Dominican (NY) College.

Outside hitter Anna Hays, appearing in her first match for Malone since transferring from Palm Beach Atlantic (FL) University, made a significant impact with two aces and a team-high 11 kills.  Middle hitter Lauren Townley followed with 10 kills and a solo block.  Freshman outside hitter Elizabeth Maczuzak notched seven kills and 10 digs in her Pioneer debut.  Middle hitter Diana Wallace added seven kills and four blocks (three solo).  Middle hitter Hannah Haver posted six kills and six digs while libero Allison Kirby chipped in with 13 digs.  Setter Jackie Schwamberger also made substantial contributions with 36 assists and 12 digs.