Box Score

The Malone University volleyball team, after losing a pair of contests to two of the best teams in the GLIAC and in NCAA Division II last weekend at home, was unable to get back on the winning track Tuesday night as the Pioneers lost a close four-set battle at local rival Walsh University.

After losing the first set in a close 23-25 affair, Malone bounced back for a 25-19 win in set #2.  But the host Cavaliers were able to post two extremely close wins in sets #3 and #4 by scores of 29-27 and 25-23, respectively, for the match victory.

With the loss, Malone fell to 7-6 overall and to 2-3 in GLIAC play while Walsh, with the win, improved to 4-8 overall and to 1-4 in the GLIAC.

Nearly every team statistical category was extremely close between the squads as Malone held a 50-49 advantage in kills and a 78-77 edge in digs. While each team posted five service aces, the Pioneers again held a slight 9-8 margin of victory in blocks/block assists (including a 3-0 advantage in solo blocks).

Outside hitter Taylor Slauterbeck paced Malone on offense with 15 kills on the night while adding 12 digs as well. Middle hitter Lauren Townley blasted 12 kills and also tallied two service aces, one solo block and two block assists.  Right side hitter Sarah Stone racked up nine kills, a solo block and one block assist while outside hitter Elizabeth Maczuzak posted six kills and two service aces.  In addition, setter Kimberly McCracken dished up 40 assists and also recorded a team-high 19 digs (tied with libero Katie Hasebein who also had 19 digs).

Malone will be back in action this Friday, October 4th when the squad travels to GLIAC opponent Hillsdale College (MI) (5-8, 2-3). Live stats will be available at http://livestats.prestosports.com/hillsdale/.