CANTON, Ohio – The Trevecca Nazarene University volleyball team (2-5, 2-5 Great Midwest), who had not played since a 3-0 win over Ohio Valley University February 6, played two matches today, first at Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio, and then at Malone University. Walsh Cavaliers (7-1, 7-1 Great Midwest) knocked off the Trojans in three (25-18, 25-15, 25-19) at Alumni Arena. Against the Malone Pioneers (2-6, 2-6 Great Midwest), the Trojans won, 3-1, in four sets (18-25, 25-15, 25-14, 29-27) at Osborne Hall.  

GAME ESSENTIALS:

G-MAC Standings | Stats | G-MAC Scores | Div. II Scores 

2019 CHAMPIONSHIP | Great Midwest Digital Network

THE SERIES

WALSH: It was the first meeting of the season between Trevecca and Walsh, and the sixth meeting all-time. The Cavaliers lead the all-time series 5-1.

MALONE: This is the sixth meeting with the Pioneers, the series is now level 3-3.

THE MATCH

WALSH: Trevecca kept it close in the opening set, with Walsh pulling away late to cement a 25-18 win to start 1-0. The Cavaliers won the second set by a score of 25-15, and went into the third set winning 2-0 and looking for the sweep. The third and final set was the most competitive by the Trojans, as it was neck-and-neck and tied 14-14. Walsh outscored Trevecca the rest of the way, however, 11-5 to take the set and complete the 3-0 win. 

MALONE: The host Pioneer jumped out to 4-1 advantage and never trailed in the first set. TNU closed the gap to one on a couple of occasions, but Malone led by as many as eight on the way to the 25-18 win. After scoring the first point of the second set, Malone never led again. Despite tie the set twice, the Trojans led most of the set. With second set tied 5-5, Trevecca scored six of the next seven points and didn't look back, winning 25-15. Malone tied the third set 1-1, but it was all Trojans the rest of the way. TNU scored eight of the next nine points for a 9-2 advantage. The Trojans rolled 25-14 for 2-1 set lead. The Pioneers did not go down without a fight, taking a 5-1 edge to start the fourth set. Trevecca used a 3-0 run on Ellie Buffler's serve to take their first lead, 9-8. Malone answered with a 6-0 run for 14-9 lead. The Trojans answered again, this time with an 9-2 run for a 18-16 lead. Trevecca scored six straight on the serve of Katie Crutchfield. With TNU up 23-20, MU closed the gap and sent the set to extra points. In fact, Malone had set-point, but Sami Raley produced a kill to level the set at 25-25. Ellie Buffler got a kill to put the Trojans at set and match point and Claire Hindman served the Trojans to the win, 29-27. 

TOP PLAYERS

WALSH: Sami Raley had the best hit percentage of the day for Trevecca, at .429 with four kills and a block. Ellie Buffler led the way with nine kills, while Claire Hindman collected 13 digs. Lydia Yonce chipped in six kills, while Austyn Baldwin and Madison Martin added five each. 

Alexis Gilland led the Cavaliers with nine kills, and Julie Kruse had three kills and six digs with a hit percentage of .5000. 

MALONE: Ellie Buffler led the Trojans with 20 kills (.318) and added two service aces and a pair of blocks. Cholee McDaniel collected 50 assists, two service aces, and 14 digs. Sami Raley added 13 kills (.188) and Austyn Baldwin 12 (.440). Lydia Yonce produced eight kills, 19 digs, and three blocks. 

Malone was led by Anna Mallette who had 16 kills, one service ace, 14 digs, and two blocks.     

THE TEAM

WALSH: Both teams were knotted up with 34 kills each, but Walsh out-hit Trevecca .245 to .127. The Trojans were unable to muster a service ace, while Walsh collected eight. Trevecca also committed eight service errors.

MALONE: Trevecca hit .355 in the second (12 K – 3 E – 31 TA) and .410 (19 – 3 – 39) in the third. 

WHAT'S NEXT 

The Trojans return home Friday to Trojan Fieldhouse to host Lake Erie College, and host Ursuline College on Saturday. 

MORE ABOUT THE TREVECCA TROJANS

Visit Official Home of Trevecca Athletics at www.tnutrojans.com

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