Malone University Athletics

CANTON, Ohio - The Malone University volleyball team won the first set against Hillsdale College on Saturday afternoon, but were defeated 3-1 by the visitors. The Pioneers suffered their 13th straight loss and fell to 4-22 overall and 2-12 in Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) play. Hillsdale improved their record to 14-11 and the Chargers are 9-4 inside the G-MAC.
 
Malone had a quality start to the match with a 26-24 set one victory. The combination of Kelsey Williams (ten assists) to Brianne Salinas (five kills) was effective for the Pioneer offense. Malone totaled 14 kills and a .235 hitting percentage in the period. Hillsdale held a 21-19 advantage, but the Pioneers were able to storm back with seven of the final ten points to secure the set win.
 
The second set was hotly contested by both sides, but the Chargers were able to get back to even with a 25-20 triumph. Both sides had 28 kills and 11 errors on the attack through the first two sets. A 76% sideout percentage helped fuel the run for Hillsdale.
 
Sets three and four are where the Chargers began to separate themselves. Hillsdale took set three 25-16 and the fourth and final set 25-9. Consistency was key for the opponents with 16 kills and five errors on .262 from the attack and a 13-2 difference in kills-to-errors in set four. The Chargers went sideout on 7-of-10 opportunities in the fourth and hit .440 with 13 kills.
 
Salinas (nine kills) and Jaymes Gilbert (eight kills) paced the offense with Williams at a team-high 19 assists. The defense was led by Hailey Conrad with seven blocks (two solo) and Ella Kresak with 25 digs.
 
The final road match of the 2026 season will come on Tuesday, November 3 at Walsh University. First serve in North Canton, Ohio is scheduled for 6:00 P.M.