CANTON, Ohio -- Tonight the Malone University volleyball team will continue their mid-season homestand with a Great Midwest Athletic Conference match against Tiffin University. The Dragons enter play as the No. 19 team in the most recent American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) NCAA Division II Top 25 Poll.
The Matchup: #19 Tiffin University Dragons (4-1, 4-1 G-MAC) at Malone University Pioneers (1-4, 1-4 G-MAC)
Where: Osborne Hall
When: 7:00 p.m.
Live Stats: Great Midwest Digital Network
Live Video: Great Midwest Digital Network
MALONE-TIFFIN SERIES
Tonight is the only scheduled match between these two programs this season. They last met in the 2019 regular season finale in November of 2019 when the Dragons picked up a three-set win at home.
The last win for Malone came in November of 2015. Overall, the Pioneers are 9-7 against Tiffin since the Dragons became a NCAA Division II member.
COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
Due to current local health regulations, a limited number of spectators will be permitted to attend each game played inside Osborne Hall. Right now, this access is limited to families of Malone University players and coaches. There is also a ticket allotment given to the visiting team. These tickets will continue to be pre-sale only, and must be redeemed ahead of time through our online ticketing partner Eventbrite.
There are still no walk-up transactions permitted at the gate.
Malone University will adhere to school, local and state guidelines as it pertains to the COVID-19 pandemic. If patrons are feeling ill, we ask that you remain home.
All patrons are asked to wear a mask and social distance inside the gym. We also ask that patrons exit the building immediately following the contest.
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE PIONEERS
- Despite playing a significantly less number of sets than some her counterparts in the G-MAC, Anna Mallette continues to rank near the top of the conference offensively. She is averaging 3.69 kills per set, good enough for fifth-best in the G-MAC. She has 48 kills in 13 sets played this season.
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As a team, Malone tied their season-high in assists with 32 in their last match against Findlay. Abbie Swaino leads the team with 67, while Audra Kocher has added 52.
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As a team the Pioneers enter play averaging 9.69 kills per set. Defensively Malone is allowing 12.81 kills each set.
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Malone has recorded 228 digs this season. Molly Bullion (50), Anna Mallette (48), and Cierra Gurney (38) lead the way defensively for the Pioneers.
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Malone has scored at least once service ace in every single match this season, including a season-high 10 in the win at Ohio Valley to open the year. Anna Hopple and Molly Bullion are tied for the team lead with five.
KNOW YOUR OPPONENT
Tiffin comes into tonight's match off of a 3-0 win at Kentucky Wesleyan on Wednesday. The Dragons also hold wins over Trevecca Nazarene, Ursuline, and Lake Erie so far this season. Their lone loss of the year came at the hands of Walsh.
Tiffin only ranks seventh in the G-MAC with a .146 hitting percentage, but they are extremely strong defensively. The Dragons limit their opponents to just a .094 hitting percentage. That number is second-best in the league.
Senior Grace Schreiber is the catalyst for their offense. She has a team-high 49 kills this season. She is also a weapon defensively, as she leads the team with 11 blocks.
WHAT'S NEXT
Malone will continue to stay at home next week when they host a pair of conference matches against Kentucky Wesleyan and Trevecca Nazarene. First up is the match against the KWC Panthers. Friday's first-serve is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
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.
