CANTON -- The Malone University volleyball program opened up a crucial stretch of road Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) matches with a trip to Lake Erie College on Friday night. 

The Pioneers controlled the match from start to finish en route to a 3-0 win. 

THE ESSENTIALS

• Final Score: Malone University Pioneers 3 - Lake Erie College Storm 0 | 25-18, 25-16, 25-21
• Records: Malone (6-8, 3-3 G-MAC) | Lake Erie (2-11, 0-6 G-MAC)
• Location: Painesville, Ohio | Jerome T. Osborne Family Athletic and Wellness Center

THE MATCH
Set One
The Pioneers came out of the gate strong by scoring seven of the first nine points of the set. 

After Lake Erie came storming back to cut the deficit down to 13-12, Malone scored six of the next seven points to take control of the set. 

That run included a pair of kills by Kristen Hankins, as well as a block by Hankins and Gabi Smith. 

The Pioneers ultimately closed out the set on back-to-back service aces by Hallie Pinkerton to secure the 25-18 win. 

Set Two
Malone's offensive system was rarely stopped in the second set. The Pioneers hit .306 as a team with 14 kills.

Once again MU opened up a big lead, this time aided by several Lake Erie attack errors. 

When Grace Rosko put down her first kill of the set it gave Malone the early 8-3 lead. 

The Storm did pull to within two points at 8-6, but the Pioneers were rarely challenged down the stretch. 

In the end Hankins was able to finish off the 25-16 set win with one of her seven kills on the night. 

Set Three
Lake Erie stayed with Malone in the final set, but the Pioneers proved to be too much late. 

Malone forced LEC into nine attack errors, and countered with eleven kills of their own to help wrap up the sweep with a 25-21 set three win.

DETAILS
For the second consecutive game it was Gabi Smith who led Malone with eight total kills. Meanwhile, Kristen Hankins and Ri'Gyn Humes each added seven.

Hankins posted four blocks to push her season total out to 56.

Macy McCauley finished the night with 25 digs.

WHAT'S NEXT
Malone will travel to Ursuline College tomorrow for a 2:00 p.m. match.

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.