ELKINS - Davis & Elkins Volleyball dropped their home opener by falling to Malone in 5 sets on Thursday night.
 
The Senators started out strong by taking the lead, and won 28-26 in the first set, even though Malone evened up the score several times.
 
In the second set, D&E and the Pioneers traded leads until the Pioneers broke through with a 24-20 lead. The Senators mounted a comeback and tied the game at 24-24, but they were unable to win the set.
 
In the third set, D&E was down 24-20 and the Pioneers had the set point, but the Senators rallied to take the set by scoring six straight points.
 
Early in the fourth set. D&E and the Pioneers exchanged leads until the Pioneers pulled away to win the set 25-17.
 
In the fifth set, the Senators briefly had a lead at 5-3 before the Pioneers went on a 3-0 run to take the lead at 6-5, and held on to win the set.
 
Sophomore Kaitlyn LaCour led the team with 15 kills, followed by Sasha Johnson with thirteen, and Raleighanne Weaver with twelve.
 
LaCour also led the team with three aces, followed by Zoe Craig and Kelly Smith, who each had 2 assists.
 
Johnson set a season high in blocks with seven, and set her season high in kills with thirteen. Weaver had four blocks, followed by LaCour at 3.
 
Craig tied her season high in assists with 43, set in her previous game at Ohio Valley. Lillie Mueller and Smith each had 2 assists.
 
Mueller led the team in digs with sixteen, followed by Smith with fifteen, and Craig with twelve.
 
The Senators return to action on Friday against Conference opponent Walsh. Game time is at 5 p.m.