Box Score

The Malone University volleyball team withstood a strong comeback bid by Wayne State (MI) University on Friday night at Osborne Hall, picking up an important Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference win by outlasting the Warriors in five sets. 

After dropping the first two sets of the evening by scores of 25-18 and 25-23, the Warriors fought back to even things up by taking the third and fourth frames 25-12 and 25-19.  However, behind the strong serving of outside hitter Anna Hays, Malone registered the first six points of the decisive fifth set.  Attacks by middle hitters Lauren Townley and Haley Kool stretched the lead to 10-3 before the Pioneers eventually clinched the victory 15-6.

With the win, Malone improved to 12-14 overall and 7-8 in the GLIAC, moving into sole possession of ninth place in the conference standings.  Wayne State, meanwhile, dropped to 9-17 overall and 6-9 in conference play, slipping to 10th place, one game behind the Pioneers.  The teams that hold the Top 8 spots in the standings when the regular season concludes on November 16 will qualify for the GLIAC Postseason Tournament.

Outside hitter Taylor Slauterbeck led the way for Malone during Friday's contest with 15 kills.  Townley followed closely with 13 kills, three aces and three blocks (one solo).  Hays added eight kills and four service aces, three of which came at the start of the crucial fifth set.  Middle hitter Elizabeth Maczuzak posted seven kills while Kool finished the evening with six kills and four blocks (two solo).  Libero Katie Hasebein racked up 21 digs.  Setter Kimberly McCracken contributed 28 assists and eight digs while fellow setter Brianna Clegg registered 19 assists and two aces.

Wayne State's Kristen Bulkiewicz pounded 23 kills to lead the Warriors.

The Pioneers will return to action on Saturday by a hosting a tri-match with the University of Findlay and Wheeling Jesuit (WV) University.  Malone and Findlay will open the day with a 1:00 p.m. conference match.  The Oilers will then face Wheeling Jesuit at 3:30 p.m. before the Pioneers and WJU wrap up the festivities with a 6:00 p.m. non-conference contest.  Live stats will be provided for each of Malone's matches at http://livestats.prestosports.com/malone/