Box Score

The Malone University volleyball  team suffered a 3-1 defeat in its Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference match with Saginaw Valley State (MI) University on Friday evening.  The Pioneers, back in the friendly confines of Osborne Hall for the first time in nearly two weeks after playing five straight matches on the road, opened the evening by taking the first set 25-21.  However, the visiting Cardinals managed to re-group, fighting back for the victory by claiming the next three frames by scores of 25-19, 25-21 and 25-14.

Malone slipped to 8-10 overall and 3-7 in conference play with the loss while SVSU improved its record to 11-7 overall and 6-4 in the GLIAC.

The Cardinals notched a .154 attack percentage over the course of the evening to go with 52 kills and 12 total blocks (three solo, 18 assists).  Malone countered with 92 digs and seven total blocks (five solo, four assists) but struggled to sustain its offensive attack at times, finishing the contest with 44 kills and a .088 hitting percentage.

Outside hitter Taylor Slauterbeck led the way for the Pioneers with 14 kills and 14 digs.  Middle hitter Elizabeth Maczuzak followed with 12 kills.  Outside hitter Anna Hays added six kills and seven digs.  Middle hitter Lauren Townley registered five kills, 10 digs and five blocks (four solo).  Setter Kimberly McCracken posted 25 assists and 17 digs while libero Katie Hasebein contributed 23 digs.

Malone will look to bounce back on Saturday as the squad hosts its Breast Cancer Awareness/Dig Pink match against Lake Superior State (MI) University at 2:00 p.m.  Live statistics will provided during the contest at http://livestats.prestosports.com/malone/