The Malone University volleyball team dropped a four-set decision to West Liberty University in a non-conference match Tuesday night in Osborne to fall to 6-9 on the season. With the 22-25, 25-23, 25-21, 25-17 victory, West Liberty improved to 7-8 on the year and earned their second win this season over the Pioneers.
 
Recap
Malone led by as many as seven points in the first set and maintained a 22-15 advantage before a 7-0 run for the Hilltoppers tied the score at 22-22. Malone recovered to win the set, however, following three straight opponent errors.
 
In the second set, Malone battled back from six points behind to bring the score within one point at 22-21 and again at 24-23, but three kills from the visitors tied the match at a set apiece. Following a third set in which Malone never led by more than a point, West Liberty ran away with the match in the fourth set, racing out to an 18-7 lead before coasting to victory.
 
In a match full of long rallies, Malone accumulated a season-high 90 digs in the loss, but had as many errors (47) as total kills.
 
Faith Lau and Hannah Eliason each finished with a dozen kills to lead the attack while Lau also tied a career-high with 21 digs. Kayla Jarosz added nine kills, Brooklyn Sullivan totaled six kills, and Elizabeth Selleny produced a team-high 25 assists.
 
Libero Sydney Black elevated 20 digs for the fourth time this season. Selleny achieved her fifth double-double of the year with a season-high 15 digs. Eliason recorded a team-high three blocks, including one solo.
 
Up Next
The Pioneers head back out on the road for the fourth time in five weekends when they visit Kentucky Wesleyan and Trevecca Nazarene this Friday and Saturday.