CANTON -- The Malone University volleyball team welcomed crosstown rival Walsh University to Osborne Hall on Tuesday night for a crucial Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) match.

The Pioneers took the opening two sets, and then came back in the fourth set to score the 3-1 win.

It was the first win over Walsh since September of 2015. 

THE ESSENTIALS

• Final Score: Malone University Pioneers 3 - Walsh University Cavaliers 1 | 25-22, 27-25, 25-18, 25-22
• Records: Malone (5-6, 2-1 G-MAC) | Walsh (4-3, 1-2 G-MAC)
• Location: Canton, Ohio | Osborne Hall

THE MATCH
Set One
With Walsh leading 12-7 Malone came away with five consecutive points to get back to even. The 5-0 run included a pair of kills from Kristen Hankins, as well as two service aces from Molly Bullion to tie the set at 12-12.

The Cavaliers responded with their own five point run, but Malone continued to rally. Seven of the next eight points were scored by the Pioneers to give Malone a 19-18 advantage. 

That particular run was capped off by a pair of emphatic blocks by CC Gurney and Ri'Gyn Humes. 

The set continued to be tightly contested down the stretch, however Malone closed by scoring five of the last six points to win set one 25-22. 

Set Two
The Pioneers opened with back-to-back kills by Kristen Hankins, and really controlled the set for much of the early going. 

However, a late run by Walsh put Malone down 21-18. 

The Pioneers scored four straight points to move ahead 22-21, but the Cavaliers answered right back and eventually went ahead 25-24. 

With their backs against the wall Malone got two kills from Grace Rosko and a service ace from CC Gurney to win set two 27-25.

Set Three
18 total kills and a .394 hitting percentage by Walsh ensured that the Pioneers would not earn the sweep. 

The Cavaliers jumped out to an early 3-0 lead, and did not trail the entire set en route to a 25-18 win.

Set Four
The momentum was clearly on the Cavaliers' side early on as they took a 7-3 lead. 

Their advantage did not last for long however, as Malone fought back to tie the set at 9-9 on an ace by Hallie Pinkerton. 

A couple of points later, a block from Rosko and Hankins gave the Pioneers their first lead at 11-10. 

With the set tied at 16-16, the Pioneers rattled off four straight points to bring the win within reach. 

The Cavaliers fought back late to get within two points, but Gabi Smith closed out the set with her seventh kill of the night to give Malone the 25-22 set win and 3-1 match victory. 

DETAILS
Anna Mallette totaled a season-high 14 kills to lead Malone offensively. Grace Rosko also finished with a season-high nine. 

On the defensive side of the net Kristen Hankins and CC Gurney each put down three total blocks while Macy McCauley totaled 21 digs. 

Molly Bullion and Gabby Pelfrey each had 20 assists.

WHAT'S NEXT
Malone will host No. 22 Hillsdale College in G-MAC action on Friday night. 

First serve is slated for 7:00 p.m.

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.