Pepper Pike, OH--The Ursuline College volleyball team battled Malone University in Great Midwest Athletic Conference action Saturday, but the Arrows ultimately fell 3-0.
Ursuline (1-10, 0-2 G-MAC) dropped three tightly contested sets, falling 23-25, 24-26 and 24-26.
The opening set featured a back-and-forth start before Malone (3-6, 1-1 G-MAC) built a 15-12 advantage. The Arrows responded with an 8-0 run to take control, but the Pioneers answered with seven consecutive points to regain a 22-20 lead. Ursuline fought back with three straight points to keep the set within reach, but Malone scored the final three points to take the opening frame.
Malone carried a slim lead into the second set and extended its advantage to 15-11. Ursuline responded with a 7-1 run to pull ahead, setting up another tight finish. With the Arrows leading 22-19, the Pioneers closed the set on a 7-2 run to take the second set, 26-24.
Ursuline came out strong in the third set, building a 7-2 lead. Malone responded with an 8-1 run to take the lead, and the teams continued trading points throughout the remainder of the set. The Pioneers eventually took a 24-22 advantage, putting themselves one point away from the match victory. The Arrows fought off match point with two consecutive points to tie the set at 24-24, but Malone secured the final two points to complete the sweep, 26-24.
Despite the loss, Ursuline held the statistical advantage in several categories. The Arrows posted a .145-.116 edge in attack percentage and held a 38-37 advantage in kills. Ursuline also committed fewer attack errors, 19-22.
Malone held the advantage at the service line, recording nine aces to Ursuline's five. The Pioneers also led in digs, 66-60, and assists, 34-32.
The Arrows controlled the net with a 7-1 advantage in blocks. Malone committed six setting errors compared to one for Ursuline.
Ellie Zoeckler led the Arrows offensively with 18 kills on a .295 attack percentage. She also recorded 10 digs to post a double-double.
Vada Belt directed the Ursuline offense with 15 assists, while Annie Quinlan added 11 assists. Mya Jackson anchored the defensive effort with 23 digs.
At the net, Madison Morris recorded four block assists and one solo block, while Kimora Hansbrough added four block assists.
Up next: UC returns to action Tuesday at 6 p.m., traveling to Painesville, Ohio, to face Lake Erie in another G-MAC matchup.
