by CANTON, Ohio – The Malone Pioneers hosted the first day of the Hall of Fame City Challenge live from Osborne Hall on the campus of Malone University. This non-conference two-day crossover event featured five teams competing from the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC), Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC), Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC), and Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). Representing the G-MAC was the Malone University Pioneers (0-6), PSAC representation was the Slippery Rock University Rock (3-3), and the Bloomsburg University Huskies (3-3) , GLVC representation was the University of Illinois-Springfield Prairie Stars (4-1), and representing the CIAA was the Bluefield University Big Blue (1-6). These five collegiate volleyball programs competed against each other on Hal Smith Court throughout the day on September 12th.
Game 1: The Rock Defeat the Pioneers 3-0
The first game of the day featured the Slippery Rock University Rock defeating the Malone University Pioneers in three sets. The first set was close as both teams battled back and forth for early momentum in the match. In a close set, the Rock were able to best the Pioneers 25-23. The second set featured another strong effort for both teams as the set was extended to 26-24, in favor of the Rock. With much of the momentum, the Rock were able to secure the third and final set of the match 25-14, defeating the Pioneers in three.
Game 2: Bloomsburg Best Bluefield State 3-0
The second match featured the Bloomsburg Huskies (3-2) taking down the Bluefield State Big Blue(1-5) in three sets, 3-0. The first set was fairly close as both teams made a solid effort to grab a hold of momentum, yet the Huskies prevailed late 25-23 in the set. The second set was dominated by the Huskies as Bloomsburg took the early lead and never relinquished it, winning the set 25-7. The third and final set featured a solid fight from the Bluefield Big Blue, but their best efforts would not be enough, falling in the set 25-18.
Game 3: UIS Prairie Stars Take Down Pioneers 3-1
The third match featured the University of Illinois-Springfield Prairie Stars (3-1) taking on the Malone Pioneers (0-5). In the first set, the Pioneers were able to seize early momentum with the 25-17 win, jumping out 1-0 on the Prairie Stars. Malone was not able to maintain the lead as UIS claimed the second set in a close battle 25-22. All tied 1-1 gave the home Pioneers new life and energy as they sought their first win of the 2025 season. Despite another very close set, the Prairie Stars claimed the set over the Pioneers 25-22. UIS would then take this small lead and create some separation as they were able to win the third set as well, 25-23. Despite the early 1-0 set advantage, the Prairie Stars would come back and win the fourth set as well, 25-20, keeping the Pioneers in search of their first season win.
Game 4: Slippery Rock Early Lead Too Much for Bluefield State Winning 3-1
The fourth game featured the Slippery Rock University Rock (2-3) versus the Bluefield State Big Blue (1-5). Both teams had already played a match earlier as the Rock were looking to go 2-0 on the first day, and the Big Blue looked to end their first day strong. The first set belonged to Slippery Rock as they claimed it 25-14, taking the 1-0 lead. The second set remained very similar to the first, as the final score of the set would favor the Rock 25-16. Bluefield would not give up in the third set, fighting back to take the set 25-14, looking to turn the direction of the match. Despite their best efforts in the fourth set, Slippery Rock’s offensive attack was too much as they claimed the set 25-13.
Game 5: Prairie Stars Claim Close Match Over Huskies 3-1
In our fifth and final game of day one, the UIS Prairie Stars (3-1) took on the Bloomsburg Huskies (3-2). Both teams proved they were evenly matched as both battled and fought for every point throughout the contest. The first set saw the Prairie Stars set the tone with a six-point win, 25-19. The Huskies would put up a good fight in the second set, but wouldn’t be able to outlast the Prairie Stars as UIS took the early 2-0 lead in the match. The third match was the best set of the day for the event as both evenly matched teams fought with all their hearts to grab the win. The Huskies battled with relentless energy as they claimed the neck-and-neck set 26-24, making the score 2-1. Still with the lead, UIS continued to apply pressure on the Huskies, making it difficult for them to tie the match at two apiece. In spite of their best efforts, the Huskies would nearly fall to the Prairie Stars in the final set 25-22 and be defeated in the close contest 3-1.
In conclusion to day 1 of the Hall of Fame City Challenge, we saw all five teams battle and give it their all on each set and serve. The 2025 Hall of Fame City Challenge will resume on September 13th, at 9:00 AM EST in a match between the Malone Pioneers (0-7) and the Bluefield State Big Blue (1-6) inside Osborne Hall at Malone University.
