QUINCY, Ill. – The Malone University volleyball team traveled west to Quincy University for the Hawk Invitational beginning on Friday, September 13. The team lost in straight sets to both Maryville University (2-3) and Winona State University (4-2) to fall to 2-4 on the year.
 
MALONE vs MARYVILLE RECAP:
The team competed in the first match of the two-day event and did not get off to a good start. The Pioneers fell 25-10 in set one and had just three kills in the period.
 
In need of a reset in the second set, Malone took the lead at 13-12 behind a kill from Jaymes Gilbert, but a 10-1 run in favor of the Saints allowed them to pull away to a 25-16 win.
 
Despite the deficit, the Pioneers showed fight in the third set and even facing match point for five consecutive serves, the team stood their ground and forced extra points. Laiken Wallick and Marissa Smith had kills and an ace by Emma Weirich tied the score at 24, but the final two points of the match went to Maryville in the three-set loss.
 
Weirich and Brianne Salinas had five kills each to lead the offense. The duo of Macy McCauley (22) and Gabby Pelfrey (11) had double-figure dig numbers.
 
MALONE vs WINONA STATE RECAP:
Unfortunately in the second match of the day, the Pioneers were overmatched by their opponents from Minnesota as the Winona State Warriors defeated Malone 25-16, 25-12 and 25-14.
 
A 41-20 difference in kills and an 8-1 mark in aces helped Winona State to take commanding leads in each of the three sets. A quick start by the Warriors in each of the sets helped to propel them to victory.
 
Mallory Meinen had 14 assists to help orchestrate the offense for Malone, but it was not enough. In the back row, McCauley was credited with 15 digs.
 
UP NEXT:
Play continues tomorrow against the host Quincy University, who is receiving votes in the most recent AVCA poll, as well as William Jewell College. The first match for the Pioneers begins at 11:30 A.M. CST.