Volleyball Posts 3-0 Sweep Over Malone

The Northwood University volleyball team posted its fifth straight win Saturday afternoon (October 5), defeating Malone 3-0.  Set scores were 25-14, 25-16, 25-19.

Northwood is now 10-5 overall, 5-2 in the GLIAC.  Malone stands at 7-8 overall, 2-5 in the GLIAC.

The Timberwolves led the opening set 6-4 before going on a big run.  Northwood registered six straight points and eventually would score 18 of the next 26 points to earn a 1-0 lead.   NU hit .458 in the set (15-4-24) while holding Malone to a -.083 mark (4-6-24).

Northwood dominated the early portion of the second set as well, going up 23-8.  The Pioneers fought back to score eight straight point, but the Timberwolves earned the final two points to go up 2-0.  The Timberwolves had nine more kills in the set than the Pioneers (14-5).

Malone was within two points late in the third set at 19-17, but Northwood was the better team late.  The Timberwolves scored six of the final eight points of the frame to clinch the victory. Both teams hit well in the final set – Malone finished at .455 (12-2-22) while Northwood hit .360 (12-3-25).  The key to NU taking the set was serving – the Timberwolves had six aces in the set, five of which were by senior libero Elizabeth Barker (Williamsburg, Ind. /Northeastern)

For the match, Northwood finished with a .281 attack percentage (41-16-89) compared to .091 for Malone (21-13-88).  NU out-dug Malone 45-23 and held a 7-2 edge in aces.

Leading the way for Northwood once again was senior outside hitter Juliia Pakhomenko (Donetsk, Ukraine).  She had 18 kills on 27 attempts overall, good for a .556 attack percentage.  Kristin Perschon (Schaumburg, Ill. /Conant) added 10 kills and a pair of blocks while hitting .381 (10-2-21). Jordan Dunn (Bowling Green,Ohio) led all players with 33 assists and 12 digs.

Northwood will hit the road to take on Findlay Friday (October 11).  Match time is set for 7:30 p.m.