Boxscore

DETROIT -- The Wayne State University volleyball squad (15-11 overall, 9-6 GLIAC) began its final home weekend series with a 3-1 loss (27-25, 20-25, 25-13, 25-22) to visiting Malone University (15-9 overall, 8-6 GLIAC).  It was WSU's eighth loss in the last 11 matches.

The first set was tied eight times, but only once (1-1) prior to the Warriors grabbing a 17-10 advantage on a kill by Kristen Bulkiewicz (LaSalle, Ont. / Sandwich).  The Pioneers won nine of the next 11 points to knot the set at 19.  Neither team had more than a point lead until MU's Lauren Townley had back-to-back kills to give the guests the 27-25 victory.

The second set saw five ties in the first 14 points, with the last deadlock coming at 7-7.  WSU tallied three straight points for a 10-7 lead, and the teams traded the next 20 points put the Warriors in front 20-17, but Malone responded with three consecutive points to tie the set at 20.  Wayne State answered with five straight points, three of which were kills by Candice Ottey (Ajax. Ont.), to claim set No. 2 25-20.

The third set started ok for WSU holding an early 6-4 lead, but MU tallied five straight points.  After an exchange points, the Pioneers had a 13-9 advantage before going on an eight-point run to open up a 21-9 lead.  The teams traded the final eight points of the set, but Malone prevailed 25-13.

The fourth set was a see-saw affair with 12 ties.  The biggest lead in the early going was 10-7 for the Warriors, but MU tallied the next three points to knot the set at 10.  The Pioneers erased a 14-13 Wayne State advantage by scoring five consecutive points for an 18-14 lead.  Four straight points by WSU later in the set tied the score at 22, but Malone netted the final three points for the 25-22 win.

Malone hit .312 for the match and totaled 11 blocks with Taylor Slauterbeck and Townley each recording 15 kills.  Townley contributed one block solo and six block assists.

Bulkiewicz led WSU with 16 kills, while Madie Kent (Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich. / Grosse Pointe North) added 11 kills.

Wayne State will honor its five-member senior class before Saturday's 2 p.m. match vs. Walsh