OWENSBORO, KY. – The Kentucky Wesleyan College volleyball team picked-up its second consecutive Great Midwest victory on Friday night. The Panthers took down Malone University in four sets to move to 2-0 in league play. Jaylen McEwen completed a monster night as she finished with 19 kills.
 
All four sets featured back-and-forth action as neither team could find much separation. The Pioneers (6-10, 1-1 GMAC) fell behind early in the opener, but came back from a 10-5 deficit to take a 1-0 lead after a 25-23 victory. Malone tied the set at 23, winning the last three points to take the lead.
 
The Panthers (6-6, 2-0 GMAC) again jumped out to an early lead, this time a 7-4 edge in the second. The Pioneers tied the match at 16 before four straight points gave Wesleyan a cushion. Sierra Morrow ended the short rally with a kill. Ever persistent, the Pioneers found a way to even the frame at 23. A kill by Danielle Brouillette gave the Panthers set point which was converted on the next series. The 25-23 victory tied the match at 1-1.
 
The third set saw the Panthers fall behind early only to rally late. A back-and-forth of 11 consecutive points ended with the Pioneers holding a 13-12 lead. Wesleyan rattled off four straight points thereafter, taking a 16-13 lead. Unlike the previous two sets, the Panthers continued to build a lead and walked away with a 2-1 lead after a 25-20 win of the third frame.
 
Long rallies continued to ensue in the fourth set as the Pioneers led 23-21 late. However, the Panthers would not be denied as they won four straight points to end the match. McEwen collected 24 digs to go along with her 19 kills. Julia Moran and Brouillette each finished with 10 kills.
 
Lydia Jackson dished out 27 assists and recorded nine digs. Nilah Roy added 31 digs while Morrow ended the night with five kills and five block assists.
 
The Panthers will host Walsh on Saturday afternoon. The match at Woodward Heath and Recreation Center is scheduled to start at 1 PM.