CANTON, Ohio - The Trevecca Nazarene University volleyball team (8-6, 2-0 G-MAC) turned in a 2-0 road trip to start Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) play, defeating Malone University (3-11, 0-2 G-MAC) in a first-ever meeting between the two schools. It took five sets, but the Trojans outlasted the host Pioneers 3-2 (22-25, 21-25, 25-21, 25-17, 15-7) at Osborne Hall.

 The  Pioneers put the defending G-MAC champs on the ropes with a pair of wins in the first two sets, putting the Trojans in a must-win situation over the final three sets. The teams were tied 19-19 in the first set before Malone closed out the win. The Pioneers started with a 10-3 advantage in set two and never let the Trojans tie or take the lead from there.

The Trojans turned the tide with a 25-21 win in set three to extend the match. The tight set was tied at 20-20 before the Trojans used a 5-1 run to close out the set. Trevecca gained a little more momentum and a more convincing win in set four, putting the fifth and deciding set into play. Trevecca also closed the fourth set out strong with a 7-2 run.

Trevecca more than doubled up the hosts 15-7 in the final set for the win. The teams were tied 6-6 in the fifth when the Trojans outscored the Pioneers 9-1 for the match win.

Trevecca collected 40 kills in the final three sets after recording only 17 in the first two.

2015 G-MAC Co-Player of the Year Katelyn Atkinson (SR/Hermitage, TN) had 27 kills to lead the Trojans effort.

Atkinson added 15 digs and two aces on serve. Clare Taylor (SO/Milan, TN) was next with 16 kills and 22 digs. Miranda Bingham (JR/Safford, AZ) had 22 digs while Ashleigh Lozier (JR/Murfreesboro, TN) had 18. Alex Reuter (SO/Brentwood, TN) had 12 kills with only one error. Hanna Matthews (FR/Ooltewah, TN) set up 59 assists and had 10 digs.

Trevecca travels to Oakland City University for a non-conference battle in Oakland City, Ind. next.