CANTON -- The Malone University volleyball team closed out the weekend by hosting Kentucky Wesleyan College in a Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) match. 

The Pioneers dropped the opening two sets, but came away with wins in the final three sets to take the match 3-2. 

THE ESSENTIALS

• Final Score: Malone University Pioneers 3 - Kentucky Wesleyan College Panthers 2 | 23-25, 22-25, 25-19, 25-20, 15-13
• Records: Malone (8-12, 5-6 G-MAC) | Kentucky Wesleyan (4-12 2-5 G-MAC)
• Location: Canton, Ohio | Osborne Hall

HIGHLIGHTS
The Pioneers struggled out of the gate early. In the first two sets Malone found themselves down several points early on, and were unable to overcome the defecit. 

The early cushion on both occasions helped Kentucky Wesleyan hold off late comeback attempts by the Pioneers. Ultimately KWC took the opening two sets by scores of 25-23 and 25-22 respectively. 

Malone's offense put together a masterful performance in the third set. The Pioneers made just 3 errors, and put down 16 total kills.

Leading 19-17 late, MU scored six of the final eight points to score the 25-19 win. 

The Pioneers followed that up with a huge defensive effort in set four. Malone forced the Panthers into 12 errors, and led 24-15 late in the set. 

A 5-0 run from KWC made it 24-20, before Kristen Hankins ended the set with an emphatic block to put the finishing touches on the 25-20 set win. 

The decisive fifth set was back-and-forth the entire time until Malone pulled away late. 

A kill by Ri'Gyn Humes gave the Pioneers a 13-10 lead. KWC fought back to get it to a 14-13 score before Anna Mallette ended the match with her 14th kill of the afternoon. 

DETAILS
For the second consecutive match Anna Mallette led Malone offensively with 14 kills. 

Kristen Hankins (11) and CC Gurney (10) also topped double-digit kills for the Pioneers. 

Macy McCauley came away with a match-high 36 digs.

Gabby Pelfrey and Molly Bullion combined for 55 total assists. 

8 total blocks by Kristen Hankins pushes her season total out to 76, the second-most in the entire G-MAC.

WHAT'S NEXT
Malone will travel to Hammond, Indiana next weekend for the annual Midwest Region Crossover Tournament. 

The tournament schedule will be finalized later this weekend. 

FOLLOW THE PIONEERS
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 www.malonepioneers.com.