CANTON, Ohio -- Tonight, the Malone University volleyball team heads out on the road for a Great Midwest Athletic Conference matchup against Cedarville University.
MALONE-CEDARVILLE SERIES
Tonight is the 56th all-time meeting between these two programs with Cedarvile holding the lead in the series 33-22.
These teams last played in November of 2019 with the Pioneers scoring a three-set victory on the road.
The last Yellow Jacket win came in October of 2017, a thrilling five-set battle also played at Cedarville.
The Matchup: Malone University (1-0, 1-0 G-MAC) at Cedarville University Yellow Jackets (0-1, 0-1 G-MAC)
Where: Cedarville University - Callan Athletic Center
When: 7:00 p.m.
Live Stats: Great Midwest Digital Network
Live Video: Great Midwest Digital Network
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE PIONEERS
- Malone opened up the season on Tuesday night with a convincing three-set (25-8, 25-16, 25-20) win at Ohio Valley University. The Pioneers were in control early on, and were never really challenged for much of the evening
-
Sophomore Anna Mallette led the way for Malone with 14 points. She had a team-high 13 kills and also added a service ace. Fellow classmate Cierra Gurney added six kills for the Pioneers, while Brooklyn Sullivan and Anna Hopple each totaled five. Hopple also made an impact from the service line, putting down four aces in the contest. Defensively, Mallette and Molly Bullion tied for the team lead with nine digs each.
-
Tuesday's contest was one of only two played across the G-MAC. After their outstanding performance the Pioneers sit atop several league statistical categories including: hitting percentage (.289), service aces (10), opponent hitting percentage (.011), opponent assists (5.00), opponent kills (6.33), and opponent digs (10.33).
-
Individually, Mallete leads the G-MAC in both kills and points, while Sullivan's hitting percentage of .444 is also tops in the conference.
-
Malone is looking to open the season with back-to-back wins for the first time since the 2017 campaign when they swept through the Hall of Fame City Challenge on the first weekend of play.
KNOW YOUR OPPONENT
Cedarville opened up play on Tuesday as well, falling at home to Walsh in three sets (25-14, 25-21, 25-23).
Senior Liene Miller led the Yellow Jackets with 11 kills, while classmate Lauren Willow added seven.
Cedarville was picked to finish fourth in the 2020-21 Great Midwest Volleyball Coaches Poll. Last season the Yellow Jackets posted a 16-11 record and an 8-4 mark in G-MAC play.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Pioneers are scheduled to play their home opener on Friday January 29. The match against Hillsdale College is slated for a 7:00 p.m. start.
To keep up to date with everything surrounding the Malone University athletic programs this year follow the Pioneers on Twitter and Instagram, like Malone University Athletics on Facebook or visit malonepioneers.com.
