Ashland University's volleyball team has gotten very comfortable this fall at the Sherrill Hudson Court at Kates Gymnasium.
 
In the third of four straight home matches on Friday (Oct. 2) night, the Eagles topped Malone, 3-0 (25-11, 25-20, 25-16) – moving to 6-0 so far in the friendly confines this season.
 
"We encourage them to be mindful of the opportunity to play at home," said Ashland head coach Alicia Wood, "because (most of) our home games are pretty early on. We talk a lot about being in the moment in general on game days."
 
The East Division co-leader in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference, the Eagles improve to 14-2 overall and 9-0 in the league.
 
Ashland has won four matches in a row, 11 of its last 12, and already more overall for the season than in all of 2025 (13). In addition, AU's 11^th sweep of 2026 is its most in single season since 2022 (19).
 
The Eagles' .376 hitting percentage on Friday night was their second-highest so far in 2026. Junior outside hitter Sara Krizsa led the way with 10 kills, and senior setter Kylee Urban picked up 24 assists.
 
"Our setters did really well at getting other hitters involved," Wood said. "It wasn't just a one-man show tonight."
 
With 13 digs in the victory, senior libero Abbey Queen moves into fifth place on AU's all-time list with 1,363.
 
Junior outside hitter/defensive specialist Samantha Young recorded nine digs and six kills on Friday night, and her versatility has been a plus for AU this season.
 
"Sammy's just been 100-percent bought in doing whatever's best for the team," said Wood. "Training in the front row and the back row every single day. It's really nice to see her being confident on the outside. She's doing really well stepping into that role for us."
 
Malone is 4-11, 2-4. Ashland has won 11 of the last 12 meetings with the Pioneers.
 
The Eagles will play host to a match for first place in the Great Midwest's East Division on Saturday (Oct. 3) at 5 p.m. vs. Walsh (9-5, 5-0). The contest between the last two teams undefeated in G-MAC play also will be AU's Alumni Night / White Out match.