CANTON, Ohio -- Tonight the Malone University volleyball team will play their final scheduled regular-season contest at home. The Pioneers will entertain the Trevecca Nazarene University Trojans in Great Midwest Athletic Conference action. 

The Matchup: Trevecca Nazarene University Trojans (1-4, 1-4 G-MAC) at Malone University Pioneers (2-5, 2-5 G-MAC)

Where: Osborne Hall

When: 7:00 p.m.

Live Stats: Great Midwest Digital Network 

Live Video: Great Midwest Digital Network  


MALONE-TREVECCA SERIES
Tonight is the only scheduled match between these two programs this season. They last met in the 2019 regular season when the Trojans picked up a three-set win in Nashville. 

Overall this will be just the sixth time these schools have met on the volleyball court. The Pioneers hold a 3-2 advantage in the series. The last win for Malone came in 2018, a three-set sweep inside Osborne Hall. 

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

1. On Friday night Malone scored their second win of the season in a thrilling five-set battle with Kentucky Wesleyan College. In that match Ri'Gyn Humes had a monster individual performance as she scored points in several different ways for the Pioneers. The sophomore from Tampa, Florida finished with a season-high 12 kills to go along with 5.5 total blocks. 

2. In the win over KWC Anna Mallette continued her strong sophomore campaign. Despite only playing in four of the sets she finished with 10 kills. She has yet to record less than 10.5 points in a match this season. Her 3.45 kills per set puts her fourth overall in the G-MAC. 

3. Senior Abbie Swaino, who assisted on 21 of the team's points Friday night, has now totaled 1,028 assists in her Pioneer career. That puts her ninth overall in Malone volleyball history.

4. As a team the Pioneers enter tonight's match averaging 9.75 kills per set. Defensively they are allowing 12.96 kills per set. 

5. Malone has recorded at least one service ace in every single match this season. Friday night they had eight, their second-most this year. 

KNOW YOUR OPPONENT
Trevecca comes into today having not played a match since February 6 due to the COVID-19 protocols within the Great Midwest Athletic Conference. However, the Trojans will play Walsh University today at 12:00 p.m. before heading across town for tonight's match against the Pioneers. 

TNU's lone win of the season came in their last outing, a 3-0 victory at Ohio Valley. 

Trevecca's offense is led by junior outside hitter Madison Martin. She has a team-high 57 kills. Her 3.17 kills per set is eighth best in the G-MAC. Sophomore middle blocker Emma Green has added 29 kills this season. Her .345 hitting percentage puts her sixth in the conference. 

On the defensive side of the net sophomore Sami Riley has put down eight total blocks, while junior Claire Hindman has recorded a team-high 50 digs.
 

WHAT'S NEXT
Malone will hit the road for the first time since their season-opening win at Ohio Valley back on January 19. The Pioneers won't have to travel far however. Malone will make the 4.4 mile drive to Walsh University on Friday night. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m.