CANTON, Ohio -- The Malone University women's soccer team is set to begin the Great Midwest Athletic Conference portion of their 2020-21 championship season this afternoon with a trip to the University of Findlay
The Matchup: Malone University Pioneers (1-0, 0-0 G-MAC) at University of Findlay Oilers (0-0, 0-0 G-MAC)
Where: University of Findlay - DeHaven Field
When: 12:00 p.m.
Live Stats: Great Midwest Digital Network
Live Video: Great Midwest Digital Network
MALONE-FINDLAY SOCCER SERIES
This afternoon's match will be the seventh meeting all-time between these two programs. They last played in the quarterfinal round of the 2019 Great Midwest Women's Soccer Championship Tournament with the Oilers winning 3-0.
Overall Malone is 2-6 all-time against Findlay on the pitch. The last Pioneer win came in October of 2017, a 2-1 win at Findlay.
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE PIONEERS
- Malone opened up their season on Thursday night with a 3-0 road win over Hiram College. That marks back-to-back seasons that the Pioneers have opened up the year with a victory.
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In the win over Hiram Madeline Ault scored a pair of goals, and assisted on the other goal scored by Allison Schmeltzer.
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Ault finished the match with five points (two goals scored and the one assist). That is the most points in a match by a Pioneer player since October 12, 2019.
- Ironically enough, the 3-0 win was the first shutout for Malone since the same date, October 12, 2019, a 6-0 win over Alderson Broaddus.
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Thursday night marked the first career win for new head coach Bailey Shattell. In February of 2020 Shattell was hired as the eighth head coach in program history.
KNOW YOUR OPPONENT
Today will be the season-opener for the Oilers. Findlay was picked as the preseason favorite in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference Coaches Poll.
Last year the Oilers were eliminated from the conference tournament in the semifinal round, but earned an at-large bid into the NCAA Division II Tournament. Findlay advanced to the regional semifinal round before losing to the University of Indianapolis.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Pioneers will play their home opener next week. Malone hosts Lake Erie College on Thursday at GlenOak High School. Kickoff is set for 2:00 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.
