In the penultimate match of the season, the Malone University volleyball team was swept by the University of Findlay in three sets Friday night in Osborne Hall. Facing the number two in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference and the 10th-ranked team in the Midwest Region, the Pioneers forced extra points in each of the first two sets, but ultimately fell 24-26, 25-27, 20-25.
 
With the loss, Malone dropped to 15-15 on the season and 11-7 in the G-MAC. Findlay, meanwhile, improved to 21-6 overall and 15-3 in G-MAC play.
 
Recap
The Pioneers fought back from a six-point deficit (9-15) in the first set to take a 21-20 lead, but Findlay won six of the next nine points to claim the opener 26-24. In the second set, which featured 12 ties, Malone had an opportunity at set-point after a Rachel Santos kill made it 24-23, but Findlay answered with a kill to tie at 24-24. Following an Oiler ball-handling error, the Pioneers had a second chance at set-point, but the Oilers closed out the frame with three straight points to take a two-sets-to-none-lead.
 
In the third, Findlay raced out to a 5-0 lead and eventually led 15-9 before the Pioneers once again showed their resolve. Using a 10-3 run, Malone turned the momentum in its favor and led 19-18. The Oilers then showed why they were regionally-ranked, claiming seven of the next eight points to pull away and earn the three-set sweep.
 
Malone out-hit Findlay .203 to .170 and collected seven blocks to Findlay's three, but the Oilers spiked nine more kills (45 to 36) and held the advantage in the service game. Findlay totaled five aces to Malone's one and committed just one service error while the Pioneers were guilty of seven.
 
Senior outside hitter Veronica Gehring led Malone with 13 kills while middle hitters Mallory Adams and Hannah Eliason evenly divided a dozen kills. Elizabeth Selleny provided a team-high 17 assists and Malone's only ace, Cathryn Miller added 14 helpers.
 
Miller and Eliason led the defensive efforts at the net, contributing five and four blocks respectively. Maggie Hamrock posted a team-high 17 digs, Faith Lau added 11 digs, and Selleny chipped in with nine.
 
Findlay outside hitter Izzy Murphy landed a match-high 16 kills for the Oilers.
 
Up Next
Malone closes out the regular season on Saturday against Ohio Valley at 2:00 pm. Senior Day recognition will take place prior to the start of the match.