DETROIT - In its first home match in nearly a month, the Wayne State University volleyball team (12-2, 4-2 GLIAC) defeated Ashland University (7-7, 3-3 GLIAC), 3-1, on Friday night at the Matthaei.

Wayne State took the first two sets, 25-21 and 25-11, before dropping the third, 25-15. A narrow 28-26 victory in the fourth sealed the match for the Warriors, who moved into sole possession of second place in the GLIAC South Division.

Seniors Lauren Mallast (Chesterfield, Mich./Anchor Bay) and Sarha Gosselin (Harrison Twp., Mich./Warren Lincoln) tied for team-high honors with 14 kills apiece. Mallast also had five blocks, and Gosselin collected seven digs and two of WSU's combined eight service aces.

The freshman class had some key contributors as well. Cydney Biessel (Ruby, Mich./Yale) posted a double-double with 38 assists and 12 digs, while Kate Sak (Warren, Mich./Cousino) and Madie Kent (Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich./Grosse Pointe North) combined for nine kills and eight blocks. Sak also had three service aces.

A seven-point run by the Warriors, which gave them a 20-13 advantage, highlighted an opening set in which Gosselin and Mallast notched 10 of their combined 28 kills en route to a 25-21 result.

Wayne State out-hit Ashland, .562 to .040, in a lopsided second set putting the Warriors ahead 2-0. However, WSU hit just -.043 in the third and Ashland nabbed the set, 25-15.

The action went back and forth in the final set, as neither side led by more than two points. At match point, the Eagles won three straight points to pull ahead, 25-24. They stayed ahead at 26-25 until two kills by Mallast and a block by Mallast and Gosselin put it away.

Maureen MacDonald (White Lake, Mich./Lakeland) led all players with 16 digs. Ashland's Brittany Snider claimed match-high honors with 21 kills.

Wayne State will host Tiffin on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 p.m.