CANTON, Ohio -- Tonight the Malone University volleyball program 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 crosstown rival Walsh University.
The Matchup: Malone University (2-6, 2-6 G-MAC) at #7 Walsh University Cavaliers (7-1, 7-1 G-MAC)
Where: Walsh University - Cecchini Center
When: 7:00 p.m.
Live Stats: Great Midwest Digital Network
Live Video: Great Midwest Digital Network
MALONE-WALSH SERIES
Tonight is the only scheduled match between these two programs this season. They last met in the 2019 regular season when the Cavaliers scored a three-set victory in North Canton.
The last win for the Pioneers in the series came in September of 2015, a four-set win also in North Canton.
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE PIONEERS
- In Monday's loss to Trevecca Nazarene sophomore Anna Mallette had a career night offensively. She put down a career-high 16 kills, and also had one ace and 1.5 blocks to finish with 18.5 points. She still has yet to record fewer than 10.5 points in a match this season, and currently ranks sixth in the G-MAC with 3.54 kills per set.
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Brooklyn Sullivan also had her best offensive performance of the season. She finished second on the team with a season-high nine kills to go along with three block assists.She is now third on the team with 40 total kills and leads the way defensively with 13 total blocks.
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As a team the Pioneers are now averaging 9.79 kills per set, and their defense is surrendering 13.25 per set.
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In Monday night's match Malone recorded 66 digs as a team, their second most in a match behind their effort in last week's five-set win over Kentucky Wesleyan. Senior Elizabeth Selleny led the way with 18 digs.
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The Pioneers have been effective from the service line all season long. They have scored at least once ace in every single match, and rank right in the middle of the G-MAC at 40 total aces.
KNOW YOUR OPPONENT
Walsh comes into tonight's match off of a 3-0 sweep of Trevecca Nazarene on Monday afternoon. The Cavaliers are riding a five match winning streak, and have not lost a set since January 30. Ironically enough that is also their only match loss of the season, a 3-1 defeat at home against Hillsdale College.
Walsh is led by junior outside hitter Olivia Maczuzak. She has a team-high 93 kills which puts her fourth overall in the G-MAC. As a team the Cavaliers .232 hitting percentage is third-best in the league.
Defensively junior Amber King is a force with 24 total blocks this season. The Cavaliers' team defense is limiting opponents to just a .115 hitting percentage on the year.
WHAT'S NEXT
Malone will close out the 2021 regular season next weekend with a pair of road matches. First up is a trip to Lake Erie College on March 5. The match is scheduled to begin at 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.
